Blaze Hits Car Workshop: Half the Building Destroyed
Half of a single-storey car workshop went up in flames last night. Luckily, no one was hurt.
Electrical Fault Sparks Fire in Lithium-Ion Battery
London Fire Brigade investigators say the blaze was accidental. They pinpoint the cause as an electrical fault inside a lithium-ion battery pack.
A spokesman from the Brigade revealed: “Fire, heat and smoke damaged eight vehicles and several work benches, many storing or charging tools powered by lithium-ion batteries.”
Firefighters Issue Urgent Battery Safety Warning
“Batteries can catch fire if overcharged, short-circuited, damaged, or exposed to water,” the spokesperson explained. “Always protect your batteries, charge them safely, unplug devices once charged, and use the correct charger for each device.”
The fire broke out at 9.46pm. Four fire engines and 25 firefighters from Willesden, West Hampstead, and North Kensington stations fought the blaze, bringing it under control by 10.37pm.
Top Tips to Avoid Battery Fires
- Use the charger that came with your device. For replacements, buy branded, genuine products from trusted suppliers.
- Beware of fake chargers—they’re everywhere and hard to spot.
- Never store, use, or charge batteries in extreme temperatures.
- Protect batteries from damage—don’t crush, puncture, or soak them in water.