Massive Fire in Hornsey Flat Sparks Major London Fire Brigade Response
A huge blaze broke out early Saturday morning at a flat on Rathcoole Gardens, Hornsey, triggering a full-scale response from London Fire Brigade. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters rushed to the scene after flames engulfed a converted mid-terraced house.
Seven Evacuated, No Injuries Reported
The fire tore through half of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the two-flat property. Seven residents managed to escape before firefighters arrived. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported. The emergency call came in at 10:04 a.m., and crews from Hornsey, Holloway, Tottenham, and nearby stations battled the blaze under control by 12:20 p.m.
Cause Traced to Faulty E-Bike Battery
Investigators say the fire was accidental, sparked by a lithium battery failure in an e-bike being charged inside the property. The London Fire Brigade has since warned of the dangers posed by charging lithium batteries indoors and issued crucial safety advice:
- Let batteries cool down before recharging to prevent overheating.
- Always charge batteries on a hard, flat surface to allow heat to escape.
- Never use or charge damaged batteries—they’re a fire hazard.
- Keep batteries away from extreme temperatures that might cause failure.
- Watch out for signs like unusual heat or swelling indicating a failing battery.
Brigade Urges Caution With Lithium Battery Charging
This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the fire risks linked to indoor lithium battery charging. The Brigade urges everyone to follow safe charging practices to avoid disasters like this and keep homes safe.
