Firefighters have issued another e-scooter battery warning after a house fire on Rochester Way in Eltham.
Part of the ground and first floors and the external side of a semi-detached house and an adjoining house were damaged by fire. Ten metres of garden fencing and a wooden storage unit were also damaged by the blaze. Four people left the properties before the Brigade arrived and three were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and involved an e-scooter battery.
The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 19 calls to the blaze.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Many of the fires we are seeing involve batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.
“We know that 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 they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells. You should also not expose them to extremes of temperature.
“You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.”
The Brigade was called at 1615 and the fire was under control by 1728. Fire crews from Lewisham, Plumstead, Sidcup and Old Kent Road fire stations attended the scene.