London Flat Fire Blamed on Faulty E-Bike Battery
Smoke Inhalation Rescue
A blaze tore through part of a three-room first-floor flat in a three-storey building with shops below. Four adults and three kids got out before firefighters arrived, but a woman and child had to be rescued from smoke inhalation. Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus rushed them to hospital via London Ambulance Service.
Faulty Lithium-Ion Battery at Fault
The fire is believed to have started from a faulty lithium-ion battery in an e-bike. The London Fire Brigade warned these batteries and chargers can fail violently, sparking fast-moving fires.
Rising Danger from E-Bikes and E-Scooters
“It’s extremely concerning that incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters are on the rise,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
“Lithium-ion batteries can fail if wrong chargers are used. Converted e-scooters pose a real risk. Most fires come from batteries bought online that may not meet safety standards.”
“Charge and store these devices safely – ideally in sheds or garages. If you must keep them indoors, install smoke detectors and keep escape routes clear.”
“Don’t charge them overnight when you’re asleep. Everyone in your home should know what to do if a fire breaks out.”
Firefighters Battle Blaze for Over an Hour
The brigade was called at 1:33pm and had the fire under control by 2:46pm. Crews from Forest Hill, Lewisham, and Lee Green tackled the blaze.
