Electric Scooter, Meth Materials Eyed in Attleboro Fire

ATTLEBORO (WBSM) — Authorities in Attleboro have released more information about a fire in an apartment building on Thursday that displaced 24 residents and sent one person to the hospital with serious injuries.

While the cause of the fire at 9 Magnolia Street is still under investigation, Attleboro Fire Chief Scott T. Lachance said Friday morning it may have resulted from “the failure of an electric scooter powered by lithium-ion batteries,” while Police Chief Kyle Heagney told multiple news outlets that investigators found “materials consistent with making meth” in the apartment where the fire originated.

Fire Begins in Basement Apartment

The fire department responded to a report of a house fire with people possibly trapped inside at 9 Magnolia Street at about 1:27 p.m. on July 31. Crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke on the first floor of the three-story, 12-unit apartment building.

It was determined the fire began in a rear basement apartment. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control after about 15 minutes.

One Person Seriously Injured

The residents had been able to evacuate the building before firefighters arrived. One was taken to Rhode Island Hospital with serious injuries. Chief Lachance said the man’s condition was not immediately available.

The 24 residents and two dogs that were displaced are now being assisted by the Red Cross of Massachusetts.

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Investigation Into Fire Continues

The fire remains under investigation by local and state officials.