GROTON — On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at approximately 1:39 p.m., the Groton Fire Department responded to a house fire on Nashua Road after a resident reported that lithium-ion batteries had exploded inside the home.
According to Groton Fire Chief Arthur Cheeks, the resident reported smoke and flames in the residence, which had originated in the bedroom.
Groton Fire Engine 2, a three-person crew consisting of Chief Cheeks, a deputy chief, and a driver, responded to the scene.
Chief Cheeks said the residents had already evacuated the home prior to firefighters’ arrival due to working smoke detectors.
“Due to low staffing numbers and a lack of fire hydrants in the area, a second alarm was struck to bring additional personnel and outside mutual aid to the scene,” Chief Cheeks said. “While the flames were put out prior to the department’s arrival, crews removed the batteries and the charger from the home and wet them down, and ventilated the smoke from the home.”
Groton Fire Engine 3 and additional town firefighters later assisted with overhaul and cleanup operations.
No injuries were reported.
“Incidents like these can quickly become challenging for Groton Fire when we respond to areas with limited fire hydrant access with an initial response team of three crew members,” Chief Cheeks said. “Thankfully, the diligent work of our firefighters, and the presence working smoke alarms in the home, allowed us to do our job efficiently and prevent the fire from spreading and causing severe damage to the home.”
The Groton Fire Department reminded residents to follow these lithium-ion battery safety recommendations:
- Purchase devices certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Only use the charger that comes with a given device.
- Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and flammable materials.
- Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, away from exit paths and outside the home when possible. Do not charge them overnight.
- Stop using a battery-powered device if it is swollen, punctured, unusually hot, or emitting a strange odor or hissing or popping sounds.
- Recycle old or damaged batteries at an approved battery recycling center. Never place batteries, chargers or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins.
