Lock Haven Fire Department responded to a call regarding an electric scooter after the device caught fire while charging inside an apartment on South Fairview Street. LHFD is encouraging the public to charge lithium batteries outdoors. PHOTO PROVIDED

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven Fire Chief Tyler Wooding is warning individuals to avoid charging scooters and similar devices indoors following a fire along South Fairview Street on Tuesday morning.

According to Wooding, the fire department was called to the 400 Block of South Fairview at about 4:20 a.m. for reports of an appliance fire.

“Firefighters found an electric scooter had been charging inside the home when it caught fire,” Wooding said. “The apartment occupant was able to suppress the fire with a fire extinguisher and drag the burning scooter outside.”

Wooding reported no injuries and damage to the home and its contents was estimated to be about $8,000.

“Electric scooters and hoverboards using lithium batteries should be charged outside, away from structures if possible,” he said. “Avoid charging these items overnight when you would be sleeping. It’s important to always ensure there are working smoke detectors in the home and fire extinguishers are available.”