2 Dogs Rescued In Peekskill Basement Fire Linked To E-Bike Battery

PEEKSKILL, NY — A quick response by firefighters kept a dangerous situation from becoming a tragedy.

A basement fire on Paulding Street in Peekskill was extinguished within minutes Sunday afternoon, and two dogs were safely removed from the home, according to the Peekskill Fire Department.

The department said the call came in around 3 p.m., just a few hours after the city’s new Engine 132 was placed in service. The department said it was the very first call for the new engine.

Firefighters were initially dispatched to a residential fire alarm at the home. While crews were en route, they were updated that multiple zone alarms had been activated in the building.

When the first units arrived, the residents told firefighters there was an active fire in the basement and that two pet dogs were still inside the home. Firefighters confirmed there was an active basement fire in the house. The department said the duty lieutenant, transmitted a 10-75, bringing additional resources to the scene. The department also said the chief, arrived and assumed command.

During primary searches of the building, firefighters found the two dogs, removed them from the house and reunited them with their family. No injuries were reported, and all units returned to service by 6 p.m., according to the department.

The cause of the fire was ruled accidental and was determined to be a malfunctioning charging e-bike battery, according to the department. Because the fire involved a lithium-ion battery-powered device, firefighters took additional steps before leaving the property. The department said the battery remnants were packed into a container designed for battery containment. The battery parts were then transported off-site to a hazardous materials recovery facility by fire department personnel.

The department also thanked neighboring agencies that responded to assist at the scene and to cover the city for other alarms while Peekskill crews were working on Paulding Street.