An urgent safety warning has been issued after two separate fires, both caused by catastrophic battery failures, led to the deaths of two dogs and left homes completely destroyed.
Fires in Feltham and West Hampstead Linked to Battery Failures
Two devastating house fires broke out within 24 hours of each other:
- February 3 – A charging e-scooter ignited in a house on Barlow Road, West Hampstead at 10:30 AM.
- February 4 – A converted e-bike’s battery pack caught fire inside a house on Bridlepath Way, Feltham at 2:35 AM.
Both fires were so severe that they quickly spread through the properties, leaving two homes completely destroyed and two dogs dead.
Feltham Fire: Residents Escape Through Window
In the Feltham incident, the fire broke out when a battery pack from a second-hand e-bike burst into flames while charging in the living room using a generic charger.
- Six fire engines and 40 firefighters were dispatched, but by the time they arrived, the fire had already spread.
- Four people escaped, including one who jumped out of a window.
- Two people were hospitalized for their injuries.
- Firefighters managed to rescue two dogs, but a third dog was found dead inside the house.
West Hampstead Fire: Entire Ground Floor Engulfed
The day before, another battery failure in an e-scooter caused a fire in a home on Barlow Road, West Hampstead.
- Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters battled the flames, which spread across the ground floor and up the stairs.
- No residents were harmed, but a dog was later found dead inside the home.
London Fire Brigade Issues Urgent Warning
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, described the incidents as a stark reminder of the dangers of battery failures:
“It cannot be underestimated the level of destruction each of these fires has caused, with both homes completely damaged by fire and smoke.”
“It’s extremely fortunate that no people have been seriously hurt, but sadly a dog was found dead at each scene.”
“When these batteries fail, they can cause ferocious fires, and the consequences can be devastating.”
E-Bike and E-Scooter Fires on the Rise
In 2024, the London Fire Brigade recorded:
- 142 e-bike fires
- 29 e-scooter fires
- On average, one e-bike or e-scooter fire happens every other day in London.
Since 2023, three people have died and over 100 have been injured in fires linked to e-bike battery failures.
London Fire Brigade’s Fire Safety Advice
To reduce the risk of battery fires, the London Fire Brigade urges e-bike and e-scooter owners to follow these safety tips:
✅ Never store or charge e-bikes/e-scooters on escape routes. If a fire starts, it could block exits, forcing people to jump out of windows or rely on firefighters for rescue.
✅ Keep the device outside, in a shed, or in a separate room. If a fire starts, a closed door can help contain the flames.
✅ Use only the correct charger for your device. Using mismatched chargers increases fire risk.
✅ Unplug the charger once the battery is fully charged. Overcharging can cause overheating and battery failure.
✅ Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or while sleeping.
✅ If converting a pushbike to an e-bike, use a professional. Poorly installed battery packs can lead to dangerous malfunctions.
What Happens Next?
Fire investigators are continuing to assess both fires to better understand the dangers of battery-operated vehicles. Meanwhile, authorities are urging all e-bike and e-scooter users to follow fire safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies.
