A battery-powered hoverboard that was being charged is believed responsible for starting a fire at a central Minnesota horse ranch and home that killed four dogs and injured a woman last month, state safety officials said Wednesday.
The blaze attributed to the hands-free, self-balancing scooter occurred July 21 at the Paffrath Paint Ranch, just east of New London. The home suffered smoke and water damage.
In announcing the determination, the state Department of Public Safety's fire marshal division is urging people who own hoverboards to review operating and charging instructions and check to see whether their board is part of a recent federal recall that includes more than 500,000 units produced by 10 manufacturers.
"We don't want a fun time to turn deadly," said Bruce West, the state fire marshal. "Reading instructions is simple. Taking a few minutes now can spare you potential heartbreak later."
Even hoverboards that are not on the recall list can "still be dangerous," a Department of Public Safety statement read. The board's lithium ion battery packs pose a risk of smoking, catching fire or exploding.
At least 60 fires in more than 20 states have been attributed to the scooters, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said last month. The agency said the fires caused at least $2 million in property damage.
In March, buses and trains operated by Metro Transit in the Twin Cities banned hoverboards from being brought on board. The agency said it was falling in line with similar moves by airlines and other public transportation systems.
Paul Walsh
