The Bristol Virginia Fire Department has identified a lithium-ion battery malfunction as the potential cause of an apartment fire that occurred on Friday.

A release from the BVFD said the fire was reported at an apartment complex on New Haven Lane on Friday afternoon.

“When the battalion chief arrived, there was visible moderate smoke coming from several windows of a two-story apartment building,” the report noted. “One apartment had a fire actively spreading throughout the unit.”

The report also mentioned that both the property manager and maintenance staff tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire using portable extinguishers.

The fire department managed to put out the flames within ten minutes. The report also indicated that at least two apartments had to be disconnected from power due to damage, while another unit experienced smoke and water damage.

The American Red Cross’s local chapter came to aid the displaced residents. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among tenants or first responders.

“The fire is being considered accidental and was the result of a lithium-ion battery malfunction,” the release states.

Armstrong provided the following statement, reminding community members about the best practices when using items that have lithium-ion batteries:

It’s crucial to use the correct charger specifically intended for the product. Using an incorrect or counterfeit charger can lead to batteries overheating and igniting. There have been instances where batteries have even exploded due to such issues.

Bristol, VA Fire Chief Mike Armstrong