09/05/2026
Colchester Fire Department press release: At approximately 9:32 p.m., the Colchester Fire Department was dispatched to 111 Stuart Avenue for a reported general fire alarm activation.
Shortly after the initial dispatch, emergency communications received multiple 911 calls reporting that an electric scooter was on fire inside an apartment. Based on this additional information, the incident was upgraded to a structure fire response.
Fire crews arrived and found no visible signs of fire from the exterior. Crews immediately began investigating while incident command spoke with occupants who had evacuated the building. Occupants reported a significant amount of smoke on the upper floor, and another individual reported seeing the electric scooter on fire inside a third-floor apartment.
Based on these reports, incident command requested a District 1 Working Incident, bringing additional personnel and resources to the scene.
Crews advanced to the third floor, where they encountered moderate smoke conditions and located the apartment involved. Upon entering, firefighters determined that the main body of fire involving the electric scooter had been largely contained with portable fire extinguishers before the occupants evacuated.
The scooter’s lithium-ion battery had experienced a significant failure, resulting in several additional small areas of fire throughout the apartment. Firefighters extinguished the remaining fire and thoroughly examined the apartment to confirm that it had not extended into surrounding areas of the building.
Crews ventilated the structure, monitored conditions and confirmed that no additional fire or immediate hazards remained. Once fire department operations were completed, the building was turned over to building management.
Later in the incident, one occupant requested evaluation by medical personnel after experiencing coughing and a sore throat following smoke exposure.
The Colchester Fire Department reminds residents that fires involving lithium-ion batteries can develop rapidly and produce significant heat, smoke and hazardous gases. If a battery-powered device begins smoking, overheating, making unusual noises or catches fire, evacuate the area immediately and call 911.
