Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely after a fire on Willesden Lane in Kilburn.
One woman was rescued by firefighters and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews suffering from smoke inhalation.
Most of a third-floor flat was damaged in the fire and the fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of lithium batteries in an e-scooter.
Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis said: “This fire is yet another example of why we are so concerned about e-bikes and e-scooters and why we are running our #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with these vehicles.
“The fire happened near the entrance to the flat leaving the woman trapped inside. The alarm was raised by a neighbour who could hear the woman shouting for help. Our firefighters had to tackle the fire in order to reach her and bring her to safety.
“It highlights the importance of never blocking an escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.
“This incident also shows just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms fitted as the alarm failed to sound due to a power issue.”
So far this year, London Fire Brigade has attended 110 e-bike or e-scooter fires. This works out at roughly one fire every two days. Last year, the Brigade attended 116 fires involving these vehicles. Sadly, a number of people have been seriously injured or killed in these fires.
The lithium batteries that power these vehicles store a huge amount of energy in a very small space. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result.
The Brigade is predominantly seeing fires where these batteries have been purchased from online which may not meet the correct safety standards.
Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-bikes and e-scooters which have been converted.
The Brigade was called to this fire at 0232 and the fire was extinguished by 0346. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Willesden, West Hampstead, North Kensington and Paddington fire stations attended the scene.