Spokane E-Bike Battery Fire Displaces Residents of Donna Hanson Haven

An e-bike lithium-ion battery that overheated on the third floor of Donna Hanson Haven, a Spokane apartment building that houses people moving out of homelessness, set off a fire on Saturday morning, Oct. 24. The entire building was evacuated, and a day later Catholic Charities said 17 residents were still being supported after being displaced.

What happened

The Spokane Fire Department responded at about 11 a.m. Saturday. Catholic Charities, which operates the building, said the cause was an overheating lithium-ion battery from an electric bicycle on the third floor, and the Spokesman-Review reported that the building's sprinklers activated. Firefighters evacuated everyone, in part because burning lithium-ion batteries can release chemicals and heavy metals.

Firefighters told Catholic Charities the building needed cleaning and decontamination before residents could return. The organization's safety and maintenance staff cleaned the building, and KHQ reported that firefighters and the state health department also addressed water damage and decontamination.

Who was affected and when they returned

The Red Cross initially said 18 adults and eight pets were displaced. Residents on floors other than the third were able to go home Saturday night, according to the Spokesman-Review and KHQ. Third-floor residents were allowed back around 4:25 p.m. Sunday, KHQ reported. The Spokesman-Review's Sunday report said Catholic Charities, with Red Cross help, was supporting 17 residents who remained displaced; the outlets timed their updates differently, so the numbers may not match.

A dispute over the building's condition

An earlier Red Cross release described the building as uninhabitable because of a water leak. Catholic Charities said that was not accurate. Communications director Dave Meany said the belief that the building had extensive water damage and was unlivable was mistaken, according to KHQ. The organization also said it will review its rules on what residents may keep inside, given the risks of lithium batteries.

What this means for renters

E-bike and scooter batteries are now a routine apartment hazard, and a failing battery can ignite quickly and burn hot. Practical steps:

• Use the charger that came with the device, or one certified for it, and avoid cheap replacement batteries.
• Charge where you are awake and nearby, not overnight, and not blocking your door or exit path.
• Stop using a battery that swells, leaks, smells or gets unusually hot, and move it outside if it is safe to do so.
• Check your lease and building rules. Some landlords now restrict charging or storage inside units.
• Have renters insurance that includes loss-of-use coverage in case you are evacuated.

Our guide to e-bike and scooter battery fires in apartments covers the risks and the rules in more detail.