Terrified Trio Leap from Flames as E-Scooter Battery Sparks Fierce Blaze in Hither Green Flat
Desperate Escape from Burning Castillon Road Flat
Three residents had no choice but to jump from their first-floor flat in Hither Green after a lithium battery in an e-scooter ignited a ferocious fire.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called at 10:25pm on March 5, dispatching three fire engines and 15 firefighters from Lee Green, Lewisham, and Forest Hill stations to tackle the inferno on Castillon Road.
Before firefighters arrived, two men and a woman made a desperate leap from their burning home to escape the flames. The LFB control room received 12 frantic calls as flames roared from windows, engulfing the property.
Blaze Rips Through Property, Causes Major Damage
The fire devastated the flat’s interior, ripping apart an internal wall and blowing out a bedroom door. The window where the fire started was completely shattered by the intense heat.
E-Scooter Battery Failure at Heart of Fire
Fire investigators confirmed the fire was sparked by a failure in the lithium battery of an e-scooter stored inside the flat.
“This fire is yet another example of why we are so concerned about e-bikes and e-scooters and why we’re running our #ChargeSafe campaign,” said Station Commander Paul Meyrick. “We’re raising awareness of the fire risks linked to these vehicles.”
Crucial Safety Warning: Don’t Block Escape Routes
Meyrick warned residents never to store e-bikes or e-scooters in escape routes.
“The fire started near the flat’s entrance, trapping the occupants inside. It highlights why escape routes must always be clear, no matter what,” he said.
He advised storing these devices away from main thoroughfares, ideally in a garage or shed. If inside the home, keep them in rooms where the door can be closed to contain any potential fire.
Firefighters Contain Blaze; No Fatalities Reported
Fire crews brought the blaze under control by 12:34am. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, though residents were left shaken by the terrifying ordeal.
Authorities are urging the public to only use approved chargers for e-scooters and e-bikes and to never leave devices charging overnight or near flammable materials.
For more fire safety tips and advice about lithium batteries, visit the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign website.
