Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely after a flat fire on Castillon Road in Hither Green.
Two men and one woman jumped from a first floor flat before the Brigade arrived on scene.
Most of the flat was damaged in the fire, the fire blew through an internal wall to the next bedroom also taking off the bedroom's door. The window in the room where the fire started also blew out.
The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of lithium batteries in an e-scooter.
Station Commander Paul Meyrick was at the scene, he said: "This fire is yet another example of why we are so concerned about e-bikes and e-scooters and why we’re running our #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with these vehicles.
“It was a really visible fire with flames coming out of the window. The Brigade's 999 Control officers received 12 calls alerting them to the blaze.
“The fire happened in a room near the entrance to the flat leaving the occupants unable to escape. It highlights the importance of never blocking an escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere well 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. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire."
In 2024, London Fire Brigade recorded 142 fires involving e-bikes along with 29 e-scooters. This means that on average, there was an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every other day.
Three people have died in fires caused by e-bike battery failures in London since 2023 and more than 100 people have been hurt.
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 2225 and the fire was extinguished by 0034. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Lee Green, Lewisham and Forest Hill fire stations attended the scene.