A fire at the Arthaus apartments on Cherry Street displaced three residents early Monday after an electric bike battery exploded, according to the Ithaca Fire Department.
The fire, which started in a fourth-floor unit, damaged three apartments, though no injuries were reported. Firefighters arrived within minutes and quickly extinguished the flames.
Sprinkler systems activated, causing water damage to two apartments on the third floor. Red Cross representatives are assisting displaced residents.
Fire officials expressed concern over the rising risk of battery fires, advising residents to avoid charging large batteries in exit paths and to buy safety-certified products.
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