𝗕𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗦: Hazmat Crews Called In After E-Bike Ignites Fire Inside Venice Storage Unit

Venice, CA — On Thursday, May 29, 2025, a lithium-ion battery explosion ignited a fire in a storage unit near Market Street and Ocean Front Walk in Venice Beach, prompting a multi-agency emergency response. Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived on scene to find smoke in the air and made contact with individuals inside the affected unit, which was being used as a storage room. According to those present, the fire originated from an electric bike battery that exploded while charging. Occupants used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames before the arrival of emergency services. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel from Station 63 responded within minutes, deploying a ladder truck to access the roof and entering the building with hoses to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. LAFD Hazardous Materials Unit 95 from Los Angeles International Airport soon arrived to assess chemical hazards, followed by Los Angeles County Health Hazmat teams evaluating any public health risks. The fire was contained without injuries, and no damage to adjacent structures was reported. Portions of Market Street and Speedway were temporarily closed to allow for emergency access. Witnesses compared the noise to a loud bang or crack, powerful enough to cause alarm. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, particularly in dense urban settings where electric bikes and scooters are commonly used.