By Kolby R. LaMarche

A car fire erupted in a parking lot near Oakledge Park and Burlington Beer Co on Saturday  in Burlington’s South End.

Fire crews swiftly responded, extinguishing the blaze that engulfed the entire vehicle. The Burlington Fire Department shared a video from a community member capturing the intense flames. No one was inside the vehicle and no injuries were reported

Witnesses say the fire originated from a vape device charging in the car’s center console. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in vapes and other devices, pose significant risks if mishandled. According to the National Fire Protection Association, these batteries can overheat or short-circuit when exposed to high temperatures, damaged, or charged improperly, potentially igniting flammable materials in confined spaces like a car. USB chargers in vehicles, often not designed for high-power devices, can exacerbate these risks by delivering inconsistent voltage, leading to battery stress or failure.

Experts recommend using manufacturer-approved chargers, avoiding charging in extreme heat, and never leaving devices unattended while plugged in. 

The Burlington Fire Department noted to Burlingtonians that the car was not an electric vehicle. 

Video by Chanelle Monroe