Firefighters rushed to a Seaford garage fire on Saturday afternoon, April 18, raising alarms over the hidden dangers of charging e-bikes and e-scooters. The East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews, including Red Watch from Newhaven, were called out at 12:47pm after reports of a fire started by charging equipment inside the garage.
Quick Response Prevents Disaster
Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used a hose reel jet to swiftly douse the flames. Thankfully, the blaze was contained to the garage, and no injuries were reported. But the incident has sparked a serious safety alert for residents.
Top Tips to Avoid E-Bike Battery Fires
- Always follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and unplug once done
- Install smoke or heat alarms near battery charging or storage areas
- Only charge devices when awake and at home
- Use the original charger, replacing any damaged equipment immediately
- Never cover chargers or batteries while in use
- Keep charging devices away from flammable materials
- Avoid overcharging and respect recommended charge times
- Do not overload sockets or use unsuitable extension leads
Fire Service Warns: Don’t Fight Battery Fires Yourself
East Sussex Fire officials caution that if a lithium-ion battery catches fire, residents should not attempt to put it out. Instead, they must evacuate immediately, stay outside, and call 999. Stay safe and keep your charging stations risk-free to avoid a fiery disaster!
