House fire in Burlington believed to have started with electric bike battery

An overnight house fire in Burlington caused extensive damage to a home on Exeter Crescent, but officials say the two occupants of the home escaped the flames uninjured.

A spokesperson for Burlington fire says the blaze started at 11 p.m. Thursday night. When emergency crews arrived, flames were seen coming through the roof.

Firefighters scaled the roof of a neighbouring home to bring the fire under control.

Officials say the blaze began in the backyard, likely originating from the lithium battery of an electric bicycle.

The Ontario Fire Marshall’s office told CHCH News they are tracking fires involving electric bikes, and believe they may pose a safety concern.

Damages to the home in Burlington are estimated to be around $750,000.

READ MORE: Police report missing Hamilton woman found dead in St. Catharines