Last updated: 17/03/2022, 8:42 AM

House fire - Newham

16/03/2022 14:57
Newham
House or flat fire
)

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a house fire on Northfield Road in Newham. 

Firefighters tackled a fire at a two-storey, mid-terraced house, where half of the ground floor and first floor was damaged. A man left the house before the Brigade arrived and was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews before being taken to hospital.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery associated with an e-bike that had been on charge.

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.

"This incident is also a reminder to make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home. There were no smoke alarms fitted inside the house. You should have smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be tested regularly."

The Brigade was called at 1457 and the fire was under control by 1626. Fire crews from East Ham, Plaistow, Barking and Stratford fire stations were at the scene.

Firefighters' top safety tips

  • The Brigade’s advice is to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
  • Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
  • Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
  • 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 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.
  • Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
  • Lastly, the Brigade’s advice is to never block your escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route.