Blaze Ravages Flats in Early Morning E-Bike Fire
A fierce fire tore through two flats on the first and second floors of a building, causing major damage. Firefighters used a nine-metre ladder to rescue a man from a second-floor window. Thankfully, before they arrived, four more residents had already escaped. No injuries were reported.
Petrol Cylinder Removed Amid Explosion Fears
As a safety precaution, firefighters removed a petrol cylinder from the building and cooled it to room temperature. This was vital as petrol cylinders can explode when exposed to heat.
E-Bike Charging Fault Blamed for Fire
The blaze is believed to have started when an e-bike left charging caught fire. A resident heard loud popping noises and saw their e-bike alight in the kitchen,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
“It’s incredibly concerning we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity. These fires develop rapidly and can become very serious in seconds.”
“Lithium-ion batteries are prone to failure if incorrect chargers are used. E-bikes that have been converted pose a particular risk.”
“Many fires involve batteries bought from online marketplaces that may not meet safety standards.”
“We urge people to store and charge e-bikes and scooters in safe spots like sheds or garages. If indoors, have smoke detectors and keep escape routes clear.”
“Charging overnight is risky – if something goes wrong, you need to be awake to act fast.”
Firefighters Race to Save the Day
The fire was reported at 6.15am. Crews from Deptford, Greenwich, New Cross and nearby stations tackled the flames, bringing the fire under control by 7.19am.
