Millburn firefighters responded to a neighboring town on Monday, Oct. 26, after an e-bike reportedly exploded on the front porch of a Summit home.
The fire broke out around 6:30 p.m. at a two-family home on Broad Street, according to Summit Patch. Neighbors across the street called 911 after seeing an explosion on the porch, followed by flames and smoke that appeared to be spreading inside, Summit officials said.
Firefighters found the burning e-bike on the porch. They brought the fire under control by about 7 p.m., Summit officials said. The blaze caused minor damage to the porch but did not spread to other parts of the home.
Two residents were evaluated by the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad but declined further medical treatment. No serious injuries were reported.
The Millburn and Springfield fire departments provided mutual aid at the scene. Union County Hazmat responded to dispose of the damaged e-bike and its battery.
Summit Fire Chief Brian Harnois said crews stopped the fire before it could do worse damage.
"Thankfully, our crews arrived in time to get the fire under control before it could spread to the rest of the home," Harnois said, as reported by Summit Patch.
Harnois urged residents to use manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries and to dispose of lithium-ion battery devices properly when they are no longer in use.
The incident stretched Summit's resources. The department recalled off-duty members to cover other emergency calls and responded to two simultaneous calls during the fire. Union and New Providence fire departments provided station coverage through Union County Mutual Aid.
Millburn Township's DPW Recycling Center accepts electronics for recycling, including computers, phones and video equipment. The township's published e-cycling list does not specifically mention e-bike batteries or other lithium-ion devices.
