TWIN LAKES, Wis. — Lithium-ion batteries charging for a remote-controlled electric airplane are suspected of causing a Sunday evening condominium fire in Twin Lakes that resulted in approximately $30,000 in damage and left the residence uninhabitable, according to Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue.
Firefighters from four departments were dispatched at approximately 5:27 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, to the 500 block of Bayview Avenue after receiving reports of a fire and black smoke inside a condominium. Responding agencies included Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue, the Town of Randall Fire Department, the Town of Wheatland Fire Department, and the Richmond Fire Protection District from Illinois.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a fire involving items on a dining room table. Crews quickly attacked the flames using fire extinguishers and brought the fire under control by approximately 5:38 p.m., just 11 minutes after the initial dispatch.
According to fire officials, preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have originated from lithium-ion batteries being charged on the dining room table for a remote-controlled electric airplane. The exact cause has not been conclusively determined.
Although firefighters contained the flames relatively quickly, smoke spread throughout the condominium, causing extensive damage. Officials estimate the combined fire and smoke damage at approximately $30,000. The residence is currently considered uninhabitable because of the smoke damage.
Fire officials credited the occupants’ quick response and the fact that someone was home while the batteries were charging with preventing a potentially much larger disaster. Their actions helped limit the damage and reduced the risk of the fire spreading to neighboring condominiums.
Following the incident, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue and the Randall Fire Department remained at the scene to conduct overhaul operations and ventilate the residence. Firefighters from Wheatland and Richmond were released once their assistance was no longer needed.
The displaced occupants were provided with a Wagner Family Fire Fund Go Bag containing essential supplies intended to help them through the next several days.
Fire Officials Warn About Lithium-Ion Battery Dangers
In the aftermath of the fire, Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue issued a reminder about the potential dangers associated with charging lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in remote-controlled aircraft, electric scooters, and numerous other rechargeable devices.
Fire officials urged residents to follow manufacturers’ charging instructions, use appropriate chargers, and avoid charging batteries near combustible materials. Batteries that appear swollen, damaged, or unusually hot should no longer be used.
The department also emphasized that batteries should never be left charging unattended and recommended charging them only when someone is home and able to respond if a problem develops.
Twin Lakes Fire/Rescue thanked the responding departments for their assistance and recognized the Wagner Family Fire Fund for helping the affected residents.
No injuries were reported in the department’s release, and officials indicated that no additional information would be released at this time.
