House Blaze in Bromley: E-Bike Battery Sparks Massive Fire
Flames Rip Through Home on Farmfield Road
Chaos hit Bromley on Tuesday morning when a house fire tore through an end-of-terrace home on Farmfield Road. London Fire Brigade (LFB) swung into action at 8:58am after receiving seven frantic 999 calls.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters rushed from Bromley, Lee Green, Lewisham, and Forest Hill stations. They arrived to find the ground floor ablaze, with half the ground floor, most of the staircase and first floor, and part of the roof severely damaged. By 10:30am, the flames were under control.
Three Treated, Including Child Hospitalised
London Ambulance crews treated two residents at the scene for smoke inhalation. A child was taken to hospital for further checks. Thankfully, no life-threatening injuries were reported.
Investigations revealed the fire was accidental—caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery pack from an electric bike. Fire chiefs warn this is a growing urban menace.
E-Bike Battery Fires: A Silent Danger on the Rise
An LFB spokesperson issued a stark warning on the risks of modified or poorly charged e-bike and e-scooter batteries:
“E-bikes and e-scooters are a green, sustainable way to travel. But some of these vehicles pose huge fire risks—especially when fitted with second-hand batteries or charged incorrectly.”
Data shows London has endured a fire involving e-bikes or e-scooters every two days since January 2023.
Fire Safety Tips From London Fire Brigade
- Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers
- Avoid second-hand or incompatible parts
- Never leave e-bikes or e-scooters charging unattended, especially overnight
- Charge and store devices in a well-ventilated area, away from exits or flammable materials
For more safety advice, visit the London Fire Brigade’s Fire Safety Advice page.
If you spot fire hazards or have urgent concerns, call 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
