E-bike catches fire while charging in a New Bedford basement; no one hurt, fire department says
The department used the fire to remind residents how to charge lithium-ion batteries safely, from e-bikes and scooters to other rechargeable devices.
NEW BEDFORD An electric bicycle caught fire while it was plugged in to charge in the basement of a home on Willis Street in New Bedford early Friday, and firefighters put it out before it could spread, the New Bedford Fire Department said.
Firefighters were called about 12:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, for a report of smoke coming from the basement of the home, the department said.
Engine 7 found heavy smoke when it arrived. The crew took a hose line into the basement, where firefighters "discovered an electric bicycle that had caught fire while connected to its charging equipment," the department said.
Firefighters "quickly extinguished the fire, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the residence," the department said. Crews then ventilated the building and kept checking the air inside until it was safe.
No injuries were reported, and no residents were displaced, the department said.
What the fire department wants residents to know
The department said the Willis Street fire "serves as an important reminder of the potential fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries commonly found in electric bicycles, scooters, and other rechargeable devices."
It asked residents to follow four steps:
- Use only batteries and chargers approved by the manufacturer.
- Never leave batteries charging unattended or while you are asleep.
- Do not charge devices near things that can burn or near the paths people use to get out.
- Stop using any battery that shows damage, swelling or overheating.
Two fires in two days
The department reported the Willis Street fire together with Thursday evening's fire at 455 County St., the New Bedford Public Schools central office. Firefighters kept that fire to the room where it started on the first floor, the department said.
"Both incidents highlight the importance of a rapid response, coordinated firefighting efforts, and the dedication of our members," the department said. "The New Bedford Fire Department remains committed to protecting the lives and property of our residents."
What we do not know yet
The department did not give a damage estimate or say what kind of e-bike or battery was involved. South Coast 360 News will update this story with any more word from the fire department.
Label: Reported by us, from the New Bedford Fire Department.
Notes
Every fact in this story comes from the New Bedford Fire Department's own account, posted on its official Facebook page at 3:31 p.m. Friday and quoted as posted. The four safety steps are the department's, put in plain words; the quoted lines are word for word. The department published a house number; this story names only the street. No damage estimate is reported because the department has not given one.
Corrections
No corrections to this story. If something here is wrong, tell us. Every correction is dated on the story and listed in our public log.
Sources (2)
- New Bedford Fire Department, post on its official Facebook pageThe 12:40 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6 call for smoke from the basement of a Willis Street home; Engine 7's heavy smoke and hose line; the electric bicycle that caught fire while connected to its charging equipment; the quick knockdown before it spread; ventilation and air checks; no injuries and no residents displaced; the four lithium-ion battery safety steps; the joint account with the 455 County St. fire. Posted Fri. Nov. 6, 2026, 3:31 p.m. (time read from the post's timestamp); full text and screenshots saved about 5:35 p.m.
- New Bedford Public Schools, statement on its official Facebook page455 County St. is the district's central office, the Paul Rodrigues Administration Building, closed to the public Friday, Nov. 6, after Thursday evening's fire. Posted Thu. Nov. 5, 2026, 10:18 p.m.