Hotel fire – Greenwich

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a fire at a hotel on Stockwell Street in Greenwich.

Most of a hotel room on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire. Around 50 residents and staff left the building before the Brigade arrived. A man was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by lithium-ion batteries.

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 1727 and the fire was under control by 1826. Fire crews from Greenwich, East Greenwich, Deptford and Lewisham 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 and always follow manufacturers’ instructions. We would also advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.