Fire Chief Suspects Bristol, Va. Apartment Fire Caused by Lithium-Ion Battery

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — The Bristol Virginia Fire Department (BVFD) said an apartment fire that took place on Friday is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery malfunction.

A release from the BVFD said the fire was reported at an apartment complex on New Haven Lane on Friday afternoon.

“Upon arrival, the battalion chief reported a two-story, apartment building had moderate smoke visible from multiple windows on the side of the building,” the release states. “One apartment had active fire throughout the unit.”

The release said the property manager and maintenance told crews that they attempted to put the fire out with portable extinguishers but were unsuccessful.

Crews had the fire extinguished within ten minutes, the BVFD said. According to the release, power had to be disconnected from “at least” two damaged apartments, and another unit sustained water and smoke damage.

A local chapter of the American Red Cross responded to assist displaced tenants. The release said no injuries to occupants or first responders were reported as a result of the fire.

“The fire is being considered accidental and was the result of a lithium-ion battery malfunction,” the release states.

Armstrong provided the following statement, reminding community members about the best practices when using items that have lithium-ion batteries:

Make sure you use the proper charger that was designed for the particular product. Using the wrong charger or a knock-off type charger can cause the batteries to overheat and catch fire. There have been situations where the batteries have actually exploded

Bristol, VA Fire Chief Mike Armstrong