Firefighters have issued a warning around e-bike safety after a flat fire on Lambert Road in Brixton Hill.
A flat on the second floor of a terraced house converted into flats was damaged by the fire. Two people left the affected flat before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's fire investigators believe the fire was caused by the failure of an e-bike's lithium-ion batteries.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Electric bikes and scooters are often stored and charged in escape routes in homes or communal areas so when a fire does occur, escape routes are blocked which immediately makes an already serious situation much more frightening for those involved so please do be mindful of where you're storing them.
"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 1959 and the fire was under control by 2040. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Brixton Fire Station attended.