Sarah Goode

Matt Trapani

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Jun 2, 2025, 6:36 AM

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Updated

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A fire in Jersey City that displaced over a dozen people on Sunday may have been caused by an e-bike battery, according to officials.

While the official cause of the fire on Bergen Avenue is still under investigation, officials said they believe it was caused by an exploding e-bike charger and battery.

Flames tore through the second floor of the multifamily home around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. A witness told News 12 she saw the residents escaping.

“I did see a little bit of smoke coming from the top. And then a lady was coming out with a baby and some kids. Just running out of the house, and the lady was screaming,” said witness Sandy Murray.

The family next door to the home was out to dinner in Newark when they got the news of the fire. They drove back immediately.

"The street was crazy, basically all taped off," said the neighbor. "It was wild, tons of firetrucks, police officers, neighbors were all out."

Inside the family’s home, firefighters smashed windows, shooting water into the main home on fire. Once the fire was under control, the neighbors walked through the property and saw the damage.

With water damage, fire damage and smoke damage, it could be weeks before they can live in their home.

This is not the only recent fire with a connection to e-bikes. Just last week in Hamilton Township, an e-bike battery destroyed a three-story duplex and two-family home.

E-bikes and other electronic transportation are commonly powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Jersey City Fire Department share safety tips online:

• Stop using the battery if you notice odor, change in color or shape, too much heat, or leaking.

• Use the charging cord that came with your device

• Plug directly into an electrical outlet

• Monitor the battery while charging and never charge while sleeping or overnight

Jersey City has partnered with a company that provides e-bike battery swapping and charging facilities in the city at various locations. More information can be found HERE.
The American Red Cross said it is assisting 13 people from four families impacted by Sunday’s fire in Jersey City.