A lithium battery is believed to have caused a significant house fire on Woburn Way, Eastbourne, on Thursday evening. Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 9.40pm after reports of a blaze that severely damaged the property.
The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) confirmed that one woman was assisted by the ambulance service at the scene. The house was described as “seriously affected” by the fire, with extensive damage reported to the building’s first floor and loft space.
In a statement, ESFRS said, “Officers at the scene have informed that the likely cause of the fire was due to a lithium battery from a segway charger.
Six fire appliances were dispatched to tackle the blaze, supported by an aerial ladder. Crews equipped with breathing apparatus worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Police and ambulance services were also present at the scene, ensuring the safety of the residents and coordinating the response efforts.
Due to the severity of the fire, locals were urged to keep their windows closed and to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate without hindrance.
ESFRS announced shortly after midnight that they would remain on-site for an extended period to fully extinguish any remaining hotspots and secure the area.
Residents are reminded to take precautions when charging lithium batteries, ensuring that devices are used and stored according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to prevent similar incidents.
