Flat fire – Tottenham

Firefighters tackled a flat fire on Devonshire Hill Lane in Tottenham.

Part of a four-roomed flat on the first floor of a block of flats was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led a man and a woman to safety via an internal staircase. One man was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Batteries can present a fire risk if they’re over-charged, short circuited, submerged in water or damaged, so it’s really important to protect them against being damaged and charge them safely.

"Unplug devices once they have finished charging and always make sure you use the right charger for your device.”

The Brigade was called at 1414 and the fire was under control by 1433. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Tottenham, Southgate and Edmonton fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ tips for charging safely

• 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. Carefully follow the manufacturers’ instructions and we would advise not to leave it charging while people are asleep.