Garage Fire Displaces 10 in San Diego Neighborhood

Lithium-ion battery may have sparked blaze that left home uninhabitable

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, melted lithium-ion battery against a pitch-black background, conveying the sudden, explosive danger of these batteries when mishandled.A charred lithium-ion battery remnant serves as a grim reminder of the fire risks posed by these ubiquitous power sources.San Diego Today

A garage fire in San Diego's Bay Terraces neighborhood on Sunday afternoon has displaced 10 people. According to the San Diego Fire Department, the fire may have started with a lithium-ion battery that was charging, leading to an explosion. The home was left uninhabitable due to smoke damage, and the fire department is investigating the incident.

Why it matters

Lithium-ion battery fires have become an increasing concern, with the San Diego Fire Department responding to multiple such incidents in recent weeks. This story highlights the potential dangers of these batteries and the importance of proper charging and handling to prevent similar accidents.

The details

The fire broke out around 2:30 p.m. in the 700 block of Bullock Drive in the Bay Terraces neighborhood. Resident Clarence Elder said he heard a 'pop' and saw his e-bike battery smoking, and when his girlfriend tried to move it, the battery exploded. All 10 people inside the home were able to evacuate safely, but the home was left uninhabitable due to smoke damage.

  • The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Clarence Elder

A resident of the home where the fire broke out.

San Diego Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and investigated the garage fire.

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What they’re saying

“'This is the most that I could salvage,' Clarence Elder told NBC 7.”

— Clarence Elder, Resident

“'Thank God we're alive though, thank God, everybody made it out,'”

— Clarence Elder, Resident

What’s next

San Diego Fire said they are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and will provide updates on any findings.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and the importance of following proper safety guidelines when charging and handling these devices to prevent similar accidents in the future.