Fire Rips Through Semi-Detached Home After Faulty Battery Sparks Blaze
A fire tore through much of the first floor and part of the exterior fascia of a semi-detached house yesterday. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.
Blaze Linked to Lithium-Ion Battery
The London Fire Brigade’s investigators say the fire was accidental and started because of a lithium-ion battery. These batteries can catch fire if over-charged, short-circuited, damaged, or dropped in water.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned: “Batteries can present a fire risk if they’re over-charged, short circuited, submerged in water, or damaged. It’s crucial to protect them and charge them safely.”
They added: “Always unplug devices once charging is complete and use the correct charger for your gadget.”
Firefighters Swift to the Scene
- The Brigade was called out at 5:15 pm.
- The blaze was under control by 6:36 pm.
- Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Orpington and Sidcup stations tackled the fire.
Essential Battery Safety Tips from London Fire Brigade
- Use only the charger that came with your device or a genuine branded replacement from a trusted seller.
- Beware of fake chargers—they’re easy to mistake and risky.
- Avoid charging or storing batteries in extreme temperatures.
- Protect batteries from damage — don’t crush, puncture, or expose them to water.
Stay charged, stay safe — and don’t let your batteries blow up your home.
