TOMS RIVER, NJ – The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention has issued a safety alert following a fire incident involving an electric bike’s lithium-ion battery. The incident occurred on Las Vegas Road in the Monterey Beach section on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at approximately 11:37 am.
Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 responded to the scene after receiving reports of a fire. Upon arrival, first responders confirmed that the fire was primarily concentrated around the battery pack of an electric bike parked outside a residence. The homeowner had largely extinguished the fire before the fire department’s arrival.
Despite initial containment, the situation escalated when the damaged battery, already secured by the Berkeley Township Hazmat Team for disposal, reignited in the back of the homeowner’s vehicle.
This unusual occurrence prompted a second response from both the fire company and the Hazmat team, who worked for several hours to secure the situation.
Inspector Carlin, who documented the incident, noted that the battery was not only original to the bike but had also been charged using the manufacturer’s charger and was not in use at the time of the fire. It was stored outside under direct sunlight, which may have contributed to the incident.