HOLYOKE — An explosion of an electric bicycle’s lithium-ion battery in a city apartment on Sunday, injuring a person and displacing several residents, is prompting both State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz to issue a safety advisory.

With more than 170 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries since late 2023, the state Department of Fire Services has several tips for safe storage, charging and use.

The fire occurred at 16 West Court St. at about 4:30 a.m., with firefighters on scene observing heavy smoke coming from the middle of the two-story, townhouse-style apartment building. Though all occupants escaped, one who was seriously injured first went to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield before being transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Holyoke Fire Department investigators determined that the fire began with the lithium-ion battery pack in an electric bicycle, and that its owner was attempting to carry it outside when it exploded.

“The lithium-ion batteries that power e-bikes and many other devices have caused serious fires when abused, overcharged, overheated or defective,” Kadlewicz said.

Kadlewicz suggests larger devices, like a bike or scooter, be stored outside when possible, and to be kept away from doors, windows and stairways when inside.

“These are your way out in an emergency and the way in for firefighters coming to help,” he said.

Among the safety tips are buying devices with listed by an independent testing laboratory like UL or Intertek/ETL; having working smoke alarms and detectors on all levels; keeping lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power at room temperature whenever possible; disconnecting a charger from the outlet when the device is fully charged; and discontinuing use if the battery is damaged, leaking or making odd noises, has an unusual odor or has changed in color or shape.