Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 14100blk of Gallop Ter, off Clopper Rd in Germantown on Saturday, April 20, for the report of a house fire involving an electric scooter.
According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, firefighters arrived at the townhouse and discovered a small fire in the basement ignited by a lithium-ion battery that was being charged. The fire was controlled and extinguished by a residential sprinkler system and there were no injuries reported. We will provide an update if additional information becomes available.
Piringer tweeted, “Update – Gallop Terrace, dispatched for house fire, w/ 1 occupant unaccounted for, @mcfrs arrived confirmed MOR TH, small fire in basement involving electric scooter, fire controlled & extinguished by residential sprinkler, FFs quickly accou Ter for all occupants ok no injuries”
Below are some suggestions for avoiding fires triggered by lithium-ion batteries, courtesy @MCFRSpio on Twitter/X:
Reminder – Lithium battery & associated components, fires are increasing. Be especially careful when charging micromobility devices (bike/scooter) & other devices (like cell phones, tablets & laptops):
🔌Use correct charger
⚡️Don’t overcharge
🔋Don’t charge if sleeping/not home pic.twitter.com/SiAok3ccld— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) April 20, 2024