Fires from e-bike and e-scooters destroy homes in London
Two separate fires in London caused by e-scooter and e-bike batteries, resulted in significant property damage and tragic losses. The first incident occurred on Monday morning, 3rd February, when a battery on a charging e-scooter ignited at a house on Barlow Road in West Hampstead, quickly spreading across the ground floor and up the stairs. Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded, containing the blaze and preventing injuries, though a dog was found dead inside.
Later that night, at 2.35am on 4th February, a second-hand converted e-bike’s battery pack caught fire in a house on Bridlepath Way in Feltham. Six fire engines and 40 firefighters attended the scene, where the fire had already spread. Four residents escaped, including one via a window, and two were taken to hospital. Crews managed to rescue two dogs, but another was found deceased inside the property.
Both fires are believed to have been caused by the “catastrophic failures” of lithium batteries for an e-scooter and e-bike. The incidents are yet another example of why the Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe campaign, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming one of the capital’s fastest-growing fire risks.
“It cannot be underestimated the level of destruction each of these fires have caused with both homes completely damaged by fire and smoke, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, said .“It’s extremely fortunate that no people have been seriously hurt but a dog was sadly found dead at the scene of each fire.
“Both of these fires were caused by catastrophic battery failures. When these batteries fail, they can cause ferocious fires, and the consequences can be devastating. We urge people who own these devices to follow the safety advice that will help to protect those around them and their properties.”
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