ANN ARBOR (WWJ) -- Two cats were rescued from a fire that officials said was linked to an e-bike battery.
Firefighters responded to a home on Ravenwood Street — on the west side of the city near North Maple and Miller Ave. — shortly before 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.
They arrived to find an attached garage engulfed in flames, according to the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
The fire was contained to the garage, but it was completely destroyed.
A door to the home was open, allowing some heavy smoke and carbon monoxide to spread throughout.
Firefighters tending to a cat in respiratory distress.
City of Ann Arbor FD
While inside, investigators found two cats. One of them was in respiratory distress, and both were taken to the emergency vet.
The residents weren't at home, but they were alerted to the fire by motion-activated cameras.
Officials said footage from those cameras showed an e-bike that wasn't charging, and was short-circuiting and heating up uncontrollably.
The fire department said in a social media post: "This incident serves as an important reminder that lithium-ion battery fires can occur even when devices are not actively charging. Residents are encouraged to follow manufacturer recommendations for storage, charging, and use of battery-powered devices."
No people were hurt.
