Firefighters have issued safety advice after an e-bike battery exploded and caught fire at a block of flats on Beaumont Street in Marylebone.
A small part of a sixth floor balcony was damaged by fire along with lithium batteries that were being charged for a converted e-bike. Two people who were inside the flat were treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service crews for smoke inhalation.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries.
Fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, and the lithium batteries that power them, have become one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks in recent years.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “In this latest incident, the batteries had been detached from the bike and were being charged outdoors on the balcony, Whilst we wouldn’t recommend a balcony as a location to charge, the fact the batteries were not being charged inside the flat undoubtedly limited the amount of damage caused to the property. Crucially, it also meant the occupants’ escape route was not impeded.
“However, this fire highlights the risks of using modified e-bikes, which have been converted from a normal pedal cycle by having batteries fitted, and may not have been carried out by a professional or competent person.
“The owner of the bike was also aware that they were using a charger that is the subject of an official product recall as the product presents a serious risk of fire.
“If you own a product that has been recalled, it is vital that you stop using the product and to dispose of it safely, by following advice from your local authority.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers received around 10 calls about the fire.
The Brigade was called at 2302 and mobilised six fire engines and round 40 firefighters from Euston, Soho, Paddington and Kentish Town fire stations to the scene. A 32-metre turntable ladder was also deployed as an observation tower, providing the Incident Commander with a greater situational awareness of the incident. The fire was brought under control by 2337.
E-bike or e-scooter top safety tips