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Firefighters believe e-bikes caused fire in Hampton Township

HAMPTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A family is expressing thanks to a woman who helped rescue their son’s life during a fire in Hampton Township.

“We heard a boom, and we both looked at each other, then looked out the back windows. We immediately saw smoke from the shed,” Elaine Ward told Channel 11.  

Moments after Elaine Ward and her daughter heard the boom from next door, smoke began pouring from a backyard shed in Hampton Township.

Minutes later, it was up in flames, and the fire was spreading up the side of the house. 

“I had no idea what was in the shed. Gas tanks, who knows. It was just very scary, so hot, so fast,” she said. 

Her daughter dialed 911, and Elaine ran next door to make sure the kids were out of the house. 

“Being a mom, and knowing it was summer. Assuming the boys were here,” she said.

Channel 11 first told you about the fire last Thursday, but we now know from the homeowners that they had four e-bikes in the shed, and fire officials believe that’s what caused the fire.

“It was massive. It took over within 4 minutes. The whole side of the house was orange; it was just blazing orange,” she added. 

Because their home is made out of stone, the flames had a difficult time burning through the outside of the house. 

The homeowners told Channel 11 they’re thanking Elaine for saving their son’s lives — since one of them was sleeping just above the burning shed. 

“I am so blessed that we were home that day. The day prior I was not, and the day following I would not have been,” she added. 

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