Fire Breaks Out in Erith Flat After E-Bike Battery Fault
A terrifying blaze ripped through a third-floor flat on Arthur Street, Erith last Friday night, with firefighters blaming a faulty e-bike lithium battery for the fire.
Woman and Three Kids Escape Smoke, Taken to Hospital
Before crews arrived, a woman and three children fled the smoke-filled flat. London Ambulance Service treated them for smoke inhalation and rushed them to hospital. Half the flat suffered fire damage in the seven-story block.
London Fire Brigade Issues Urgent E-Bike Safety Warning
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “It’s extremely worrying that incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters are on the rise. When these lithium-ion batteries fail, they do so violently, and fires spread fast, risking lives and homes.”
“Many fires stem from e-scooters and e-bikes bought on online marketplaces with batteries that don’t meet safety standards. Modified or converted scooters pose a serious danger.”
How to Stay Safe: Fire Brigade’s Top Tips
- Charge and store e-bikes and scooters in a safe place, like a shed or garage, away from living spaces where possible.
- If stored indoors, install smoke detectors and keep escape routes clear.
- Never charge devices while sleeping – stay alert to any signs of fire.
- Ensure everyone in the home knows what to do if a fire starts.
Friday’s fire was tackled by four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Erith, Bexley, and Plumstead stations. The blaze was called in at 10.51pm and extinguished by 12.02am.
Stay alert. Check your e-bike and e-scooter chargers now before it’s too late.
