Second Fire at E-Bike Company in Wijchen Prompts Investigation

Wijchen, Netherlands – A second fire has broken out at a facility belonging to an electric bicycle component supplier in Wijchen, Netherlands, just days after a previous blaze. The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, March 4, 2026, prompting a response from local fire services and raising concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes.

Recent Incidents

The first fire occurred in the night of February 28, 2026, in a container filled with e-bike batteries at an industrial site in Bijsterhuizen, Wijchen. Authorities warned nearby residents to stay indoors as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The fire was largely subsided by 4 a.m., but crews remained on site to cool the batteries, which can reignite due to their chemical composition.

This week, on the night of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, fire crews were again called to the same location after reports of batteries catching fire. The fire was extinguished with the support of a foam extinguishing vehicle from Beuningen and the batteries were placed in water-filled containers to cool down.

Company Details and Operations

The facility belongs to a wholesaler that supplies electric bicycles to delivery services, including Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, and Subway. The company operates in 300 cities across Europe and the United Kingdom and works with over 1,700 businesses.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The cause of both fires is currently under investigation. Fire officials suspect a chemical reaction may be responsible for the second fire. The fire department advises residents to close windows and doors and turn off mechanical ventilation systems in the event of smoke.

The incidents highlight the potential fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly when stored in large quantities. The batteries require extended cooling periods due to the heat they generate, even after the flames are extinguished.

Previous Incident Details

During the first fire, the container was designed for safe battery storage, but this too made it difficult for firefighters to extinguish the blaze. No dangerous substances were detected during monitoring by fire department measurement teams in nearby Beuningen.