E-Bike Battery Fire: Deadly Danger in Homes

0:00A fire broke out Friday morning in a San Jose apartment complex on Norwalk Drive, sparked by a lithium battery from an e-bike. What started small turned deadly fast, claiming the life of a man inside from toxic smoke inhalation. Firefighters arrived to find a woman who had escaped safely while a neighbor was giving CPR to the victim who tried to fight the flames. Crews contained the blaze quickly, but battalion chief Jeff Fielding explained how these lithium batteries ignite with no warning spreading flames, and thick poisonous smoke loaded with heavy metals and chemicals unlike regular house fires. E-bikes and scooters are everywhere now as cheap transport, but many folks don't know the real dangers these batteries pack. Officials say these incidents are spiking and even pros struggle to knock them out. Fielding's clear advice, if one starts in your home, don't play hero. Pull the door, get out fast, and dial 911, where life beats any stuff you own. Charge batteries outside living spaces, never alone or if they're busted.

1:03San Jose lacks rules like San Francisco's cap on devices for household, so stay smart to dodge these tragedies before they hit closer home. That's the story for today. California News Today, Driven by AI. I'm Corey with the Story.