Published on March 13, 2026
Just after 10:00 a.m., the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and Hazmat crews responded to the 1300 block of Bingham Street for a reported one-alarm fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters entered the first floor of the apartment and discovered an electric scooter in thermal runaway, a condition in which lithium-ion batteries overheat and cause a self-sustaining fire. Crews extinguished the fire within minutes, and Hazmat followed standard procedures to ensure the batteries didn’t reignite. The residence sustained minor damage.
Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS paramedics treated three occupants on scene for smoke inhalation but all declined transport to the hospital.
Permits, Licenses, and Inspections has been notified of the incident.
In total, four residents from the building were displaced. The American Red Cross is assisting with shelter.
The Fire Investigation Unit determined the electric scooter caught fire while charging. Preliminary information indicates the incident is accidental in nature.