The explosion, which involved a lithium-ion battery used to power an e-bike, sent the family scrambling to safety. All occupants escaped the home, and the fire was contained to the residence where the battery failed.

The incident adds to a mounting tally of fires tied to lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable power cells found in e-bikes, scooters, laptops and countless other household devices. Fire safety advocates have warned for years that these batteries, when damaged, improperly charged or built with substandard components, can enter a dangerous condition known as thermal runaway — a chain reaction that produces intense heat, toxic smoke and, in many cases, a sudden explosion.

For Troutdale residents, the fire is a reminder that the devices increasingly common in garages, entryways and living rooms carry real risks. Fire officials across the region have urged people to charge e-bike and scooter batteries away from sleeping areas and exits, to avoid overnight charging when possible, and to stop using batteries that show signs of swelling, overheating or physical damage.

Experts also point to the importance of buying certified batteries and equipment rather than unverified aftermarket replacements, which are frequently implicated in battery fires. When a battery does ignite, the resulting blaze can spread quickly and produce smoke that is far more hazardous than typical household fire smoke.

The cause of the Troutdale explosion has not been detailed, and it was not immediately clear whether the battery was charging at the time. What is certain is that the family made it out — an outcome that fire safety educators say is not guaranteed when a battery fails inside a home.