On Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 2:59PM, Alameda County firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on the 800 block of Glen Drive in San Leandro.
Firefighters arrived quickly to find heavy smoke coming from the rear and sides of the two-story residence. Firefighters knocked down the fire on the first floor within 10 minutes of arriving at the scene, preventing extension to the second floor and neighboring homes.
Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) Fire Investigators have determined the cause of the fire to be accidental. A hoverboard was located in the area of origin, and based on statements from the homeowner, the hoverboard had been charging in a first floor room since the evening of Friday, January 29th.
Though the exact cause of the fire is not known at the present time, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is actively investigating various companies that sell or make hoverboards. ACFD Fire Investigators will be contacting the CPSC regarding this incident.
The ACFD would like to urge our community members with hoverboards or those considering the purchase of a hoverboard to:
-Check with your retailer regarding the safety of the hoverboard you are purchasing
-Read and follow all manufacturer directions, including recommended charging times
-Do not leave the hoverboard unattended while charging
-Charge the hoverboard in an open area away from combustible materials
-Have a working fire extinguisher nearby while charging or using a hoverboard in and around your home.
-If you notice the hoverboard is hot, stop using it immediately. Call 9-1-1, and if it is safe to do so move the hoverboard outside and away from anything that can burn.
