A battery stored in an explosion-proof bag caught fire inside a building on Mackinac Island, destroying the bag and spreading flames. (Mackinac Island Fire Department)
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – A fire on Mackinac Island over the weekend is believed to have been caused by an e-bike battery exploding inside.
According to authorities, smoke was spotted at about 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 25, from a building on Cadotte Avenue. Chippewa Hotel Maintenance Director Roy Shryock reportedly called 911 and attempted to contain the blaze before emergency crews arrived.
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The building’s electricity had already been disconnected due to prior flooding, and the battery was not actively charging at the time of the fire.
Firefighters entered the building, extinguished the fire and threw the burning e-bike battery out a window. Authorities said the battery was stored inside an “explosion-proof bag” -- but the bag failed to contain the explosion.