Lithium-ion battery causes fire at apartment complex in Boone

UPDATE FROM BOONE FIRE:

February 4, 2026, Boone Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire located at the Finmore Apartments at 241 Shadowline Drive in Boone.  Two of the four residents of the apartment unit were home at the time of the fire. The residents of the apartment unit reported hearing a loud explosion that sounded like a gunshot indoors and said they were struck in the back by flying debris.  They quickly evacuated the apartment, called 911 and went to notify management.  The caller reported an electric scooter battery explosion and fire to dispatchers.  

Upon arrival, there were no visible indications of a fire from outside the building and the alarm system was not active.  A resident of the unit led fire department personnel and maintenance staff to the location of the fire, then evacuated the building.  The fire was confirmed to be contained to the unit and initial indications were the sprinkler system was not controlling the fire.  A hose pack was deployed and connected to an interior standpipe.  Fire attack crews reported no water pressure on the standpipe.  At this time, it was discovered the automatic sprinkler/standpipe system in the building had been turned off without the notification or approval of the fire department.  Firefighters forced entry to the sprinkler riser room in efforts to restore water to the sprinkler/standpipe systems.  The fire was then controlled and extinguished by use from a hose lay up the interior stairs supplied from a fire engine outside.

The call was dispatched at 12:31 PM with the Chief arriving on scene at 12:33 PM.  The first due fire engine arrived at 12:35 PM and the fire was controlled at 12:53PM.  Firefighters cleared the scene after conducting an investigation, ensuring the sprinkler contractor had returned the sprinkler and standpipe systems to full operation, and performing salvage and overhaul operations in the apartment.  

One person was transported to Watauga Medical Center for evaluation. The fire was contained to the one apartment unit and minor water damage was sustained in the two adjacent units.  The loss is estimated at $100,000 in property damage and contents loss.  

An investigation found that the fire was caused by a malfunctioning lithium-ion battery in an electric skateboard. Fire control was delayed due to the unapproved shut off of the sprinkler system. Sprinkler systems are required life safety systems and shall not be turned off to prevent property damage caused by frozen pipes and the associated water damage.  Fire suppression systems in our area are designed and installed taking our weather and temperatures into account.  Property owners are required to maintain systems in working order and provide enough heat to prevent freezing.

Boone Fire commends the occupants for their quick thinking, fast evacuation and calling 911 to report the fire.  Closing the door behind them as they left kept the fire contained to their one unit and likely prevented extensive property damage and injuries. 

Fire Marshal Flieg stated “So many studies have shown that closing a door behind you, whether it’s your bedroom or, in this case, an apartment, to protect the rest of the building, does so much to limit the spread of smoke and fire.  Everyone thinks it’s the flames that get you.  Smoke gets you long before then, and it’s amazing what just a door will do to stop the spread of the smoke and then the heat and the flames behind it.”

Lithium-ion batteries power all the things in our life but can be dangerous if not properly maintained and cared for.  Boone Fire will be releasing additional safety messaging about these types of batteries to the press, online and on social media.  We have worked with our commercial residential property managers to distribute lithium-ion battery safety to their tenants and will continue to share this information.

Never store larger mobility devices such as skateboards, e-bikes or scooters in an exit path where a malfunction and fire could prevent your escape.  Luckily, the device in this incident was stored away from the exit door.  

This investigation is ongoing and further action is pending.

Please remember, in the event of fire, activate the fire alarm system, go outside where it is safe then dial 911 to notify emergency services of the emergency.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 – A fire at the Finmore apartment complex appears to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery explosion. The battery was attached to a skateboard, according to reports.

The occupant of the room notified his roommate and then closed the door, which is believed to have kept the fire from spreading further.

The sprinkler system at the apartment complex had been turned off, according to Boone Fire Marshall Amy Flieg.

WataugaOnline will update as more information becomes available.