Flat fire - Roehampton

Firefighters are issuing another warning about storing e-bikes and e-scooters safely after a fire on Wanborough Drive in Roehampton.

Part of a first-floor flat in an 11-storey residential block was damaged by fire and the whole flat was damaged by smoke. Two adults and a child were rescued from the flat's balcony by firefighters using a ladder. They were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation as a precaution.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium battery pack on an e-scooter. The e-scooter was stored in the hallway. It was not in use and it was not on charge at the time of the fire.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "This fire highlights the risk of storing devices like e-bikes and e-scooters on an escape route, such as a hallway. The three occupants tried to escape the flat via the front door due to the amount of smoke. So instead, they went to the balcony and waited until firefighters could bring them safely down."

E-bikes and e-scooters have become London's fastest-growing fire risk. In 2023, there was a fire in the capital involving these types of vehicles, on average, once every two days. Sadly three people have died in these fires and more than 60 people have been hurt.

A Brigade spokesperson continued: "The vehicles can be a fun and sustainable way of getting around London but the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous, particularly if they have been modified, if fitted/converted with second-hand products or products purchased online which may not meet safety standards, or if batteries are used with the wrong chargers.

"When the lithium battery fires occur, they can be devastating and ferocious, producing jets of flame and a toxic flammable vapour cloud that should never be inhaled."

As part of our #ChargeSafe campaign, the Brigade is calling for much-needed legislation for online marketplaces to ensure products like batteries, chargers and conversion kits are strictly regulated.

The Brigade was called at 2250 and the fire was extinguished by 0117. Five fire engines from Wandsworth, Fulham, Richmond, Battersea and Wimbledon fire stations attended the scene.

Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users to follow

• Never block your 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 external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed. 
• Always use the correct charger, otherwise the risk of fire increases, and buy an official one from a reputable seller. 
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand. 
• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.  We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.  Consumers buying any product can check that the item displays a UKCA or CE mark that ensures that the products meet UK and EU safety, health or environmental requirements. If buying online, buy from a UK supplier.
• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape. 
• Do not try and tackle the fire yourself. Get away safely and call 999.