Flat fire - Hornsey

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to a flat fire on Rathcoole Gardens, Hornsey.

The fire occurred in a mid-terraced house of two floors, which had been converted into two flats. Half of the ground floor was damaged by the fire, and part of the first floor was also damaged by flames. Seven people left the property before crews arrived, and there are no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade's Control Room received the first of five calls reporting the fire at 1004, mobilising crews from Hornsey, Holloway, Tottenham and surrounding fire stations to the scene. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control by 1220.

The fire is believed to have been accidental, caused by the failure of an e-bikes lithium battery whilst it was being charged. 

There a number of ways you can reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries:

• Reduce the risk of overheating
• Batteries can get warm during their use. Allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge.
• 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. Do not continue to use a damaged battery.
• Batteries should also never be exposed to extremes of temperature.
• Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery might be failing and becoming a fire risk.