APPLETON — An electric bicycle charging in an Appleton apartment Friday “exploded and started on fire,” causing roughly $125,000 in damage, according to the Appleton Fire Department.
The Appleton Fire Department was called out about 8:20 p.m. Friday to an eight-unit building at 1221 East Gunn St.
The initial 911 call reported that the resident of one of the apartments was charging an electric bicycle when it “exploded and started on fire,” according to a fire department news release.
The first arriving engine company found flames coming out of a window on the first floor of the apartment building.
Fire companies made an initial exterior fire attack, and then transitioned to an aggressive interior attack to extinguish the fire.
Additional crews searched all eight apartment units for occupants.
One individual was medically assessed on scene for exposure to the fire, with no transport to the hospital.
The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes. All residents within the eight unit apartment building were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.
It is anticipated that most residents may return within the week, after some repair.
The fire is currently under investigation and a cause has not been determined at the time of this release. Damage to the building and contents is estimated to be $125,000.
