Firefighters have issued a reminder of their e-bike safety advice following a fire at a block of flats on Stuart Crescent in Wood Green.
A third floor flat in the nine storey building was destroyed by the fire. One man was rescued from the building by firefighters using a fire escape hood. Three further men left the building before the Brigade arrived. Around 30 people were evacuated from the building by the Metropolitan Police Service. There were no reports of any injuries.
Fire escape hoods provide members of the public with up to 15 minutes protection from four of the main fire gases (carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen chloride and acrolein) and can be worn by conscious or unconscious people. If more than 15 minutes protection is required then another hood can be given to each wearer. They do not provide oxygen but temporarily filter toxic smoke to make breathing easier.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery pack for an e-bike.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London's fastest-growing fire risks. If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and those around you safe.
"When charging your e-bike or e-scooter or the batteries for them, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire. It's also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it's completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping and don't charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway. Instead, charge or store the device outdoors or in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire."
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.
Many of the fires have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so the Brigade cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to help fight the fire from above.
Control Officers took the first of 8 calls regarding the fire at 0514 and the incident was over for firefighters at 0658. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Hornsey, Tottenham, Southgate and Holloway Fire Stations attended the scene.