A malfunctioning battery charger for electric bicycles was the cause of a structure fire on Saturday afternoon, July 22, in a garage at 395 Golden Hills Drive in Portola Valley, according to firefighters from the Woodside Fire Protection District.

No one was injured, but the fire "destroyed" four bicycles, including one the homeowner valued at $7,500, firefighters said.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, two deputies from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office were already there and using a garden hose on the fire.

Firefighters established their own water supply and the fire was out at about 1:23 p.m., about 20 minutes after it was called in, firefighters said.

An investigation revealed the charger as the fire's cause, Deputy Fire Marshal Don Bullard said in an email.

In total, eight firefighters were on the scene; eight others had been dispatched but stood down after the fire was brought under control.

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