Kent Man Scarred for Life After E-Scooter Blaze
A Kent man has suffered life-changing burns after his e-scooter burst into flames while charging, turning his world upside down. Kevin Record was asleep in his flat on April 17 when smoke filled the room and the fire took hold.
Tragically, Kevin’s beloved dog, Shogun, did not survive the blaze. Kevin said, “I’m absolutely devastated, especially losing Shogun. He was everything to me.”
Kevin’s Warning: Stay Safe Charging E-Scooters
Kevin admitted he never thought something like this could happen to him. “I thought I had a good understanding of electronics, but this fire proved it can happen to anyone,” he said. Once a big supporter of e-scooters and e-cigarettes, Kevin now refuses to buy them again.
“I hope by sharing my story, I can help others stay safe,” he added.
Firefighters Share Crucial Safety Tips
Steve Smart, Crew Manager at Kent Fire and Rescue Service, was first on the scene. He said Kevin was lucky to survive and offered vital advice on e-scooter safety:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s charging guidelines
- Charge scooters only when awake and at home to spot fires early
- Unplug devices immediately after use
- Store scooters away from escape routes and bedrooms
- Install smoke alarms on every floor and test them weekly
“A working smoke alarm could save your life,” Steve warned.
Aftermath: The Devastation at Kevin’s Flat
The fire caused severe damage to Kevin’s flat, a harsh reminder of the dangers posed by poorly charged e-scooters. Kevin’s heartfelt story is a stark warning to all scooter owners to stay alert and follow safety rules.
