Man Rescued as Fire Rips Through London Flat
A fierce blaze tore through most of a three-room flat on the first floor, leaving heavy damage in its wake. Firefighters used a 9-metre ladder to pull a man to safety from a first-floor window. He was rushed to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
Thankfully, two others escaped the flat before firefighters arrived.
Cause Linked to Lithium-Ion Battery Fire
The fire is believed to have started accidentally and involved lithium-ion batteries. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned about the dangers of these batteries:
“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used, so it’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
Batteries can also pose a risk if damaged, so avoid knocking them around during use, as it increases the chance of cell damage. Don’t expose them to extreme temperatures either.
Always unplug chargers once charging is finished and follow manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave batteries charging unattended or while people are asleep.”
Firefighters Battle Blaze in Under an Hour
The London Fire Brigade was called at 4:45pm and had the fire under control by 5:52pm. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Ealing and Southall stations tackled the blaze.
This incident serves as a stark reminder to treat lithium-ion batteries with care to prevent devastating fires.
