Fire caused by lithium-ion battery explosion — Groton Fire Dept

The Groton Fire Department responded to and extinguished a fire Thursday, Sept.

Casualties and emergency response

17, that started in a home after lithium-ion batteries reportedly exploded, according to Fire Chief Arthur Cheeks.

At about 1:39 p.m. last Thursday, Groton Fire responded to a reported structure fire at Nashua Road after a resident reported lithium-ion batteries had exploded.

The resident reported smoke and flames in the home, originating in the bedroom.

Groton Fire Engine 2, a three-firefighter team consisting of Chief Cheeks, a deputy chief and a driver/ operator, responded to the initial dispatch.

Residents had already evacuated the home prior to their arrival due to working smoke detectors alerting them of the flames.

Due to low staffing numbers and a lack of fire hydrants in the area, a second alarm was struck to bring additional personnel and outside mutual aid to the scene.

While the flames were put out prior to the Fire Department’s arrival, crews removed the batteries and the charger from the home and wet them down, and ventilated the smoke from the home.