Fast-thinking kids limit damage when hoverboard battery catches fire overnight

Fast-thinking youths were credited for their actions early Sunday when a hoverboard’s lithium battery caught fire while recharging in a Ridgefield home, according to Clark County Fire & Rescue.

The fire was reported at 3:26 a.m. at 1984 S. Royle Road, after the youths were awakened by the sound of popping downstairs, according to Clark County Fire & Rescue spokesman Tim Dawdy.

“As they went downstairs, the smoke alarm went off,” Dawdy said. “They were able to put the fire out themselves, but they called the fire department, anyway.”

After extinguishing the fire, the youths even moved the remains of the hoverboard outside in case it caught fire again. Dawdy said their parents were away.

“These were some bright, responsible, young men,” he said.

Crews checked for additional damage and assisted getting smoke out of the house, Dawdy said.

Aside from smoke, damage was limited to the hoverboard and battery, according to Dawdy. He said the incident is a good reminder about the risks of lithium batteries.

“It’s okay to charge lithium batteries — we all have them in our power drills and gardening tools and recreational items — but if you’re charging lithium batteries, always make sure to be there to supervise the charging and have a functional smoke detector in the same room the battery is charging.”

Dawdy said the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.