Fire in Somerville caused by battery-powered skateboard

On October 16, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

~Photos courtesy of Somerville Fire Department.

At 9:35 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, the Somerville Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center located at 2 North Street. Upon arrival, Engine 6 was notified of a fire in the basement and called for additional resources. Firefighters encountered heavy smoke on the basement level and discovered a burning lithium-ion battery powered skateboard. Hose lines were advanced into the building as firefighters also searched for occupants and opened windows for ventilation.

The fire originated inside a basement apartment. The basement sustained fire, smoke, and water damage, while the remainder of the building sustained smoke damage. Occupants were displaced Thursday night due to gas service being shut off at the building. Somerville Emergency Management, Inspectional Services, and Board of Health representatives responded to assist residents. Somerville Police provided transportation for those displaced to nearby hotels. One firefighter and one occupant suffered minor injuries.

Lithium-ion batteries pack a lot of power into a small device. Safety tips are available here: mass.gov/doc/lithium-ion-battery-safety/download

-Somerville Fire Department
 

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