A fire that tore through a family’s home just days before Christmas was caused by a battery on a charging second-hand e-bike that exploded.
The fire on Renshaw Close in Catford, south east London, on 14 December is yet another example of the catastrophic consequences that can occur if e-bikes and e-scooters are not charged or stored safely.
Footage from a doorbell camera at a neighbour’s home shows just how quickly the property became engulfed in fire, with several bangs and small explosions heard. Three people were inside the house when the e-bike battery burst into flames on the first floor.
One person was able to escape unharmed through the front door, but two others, who were in the loft, found their exit blocked by fire. With the room becoming consumed by toxic smoke, they had no choice but to climb to through a skylight window and onto the pitched roof.
Unfortunately, one of the occupants fell from the roof, and was discovered by firefighters in the garden upon arrival. He has sustained serious injuries, though they are not currently life-changing.
Meanwhile, a woman was still on the roof when the first of eight firefighting crews arrived. A nine-metre ladder was quickly set up and a firefighter climbed to rescue her. The woman on the roof slipped but was fortunately caught by the quick actions of the firefighter, preventing her from falling to the ground. She was later treated for smoke inhalation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said: “This was a devastating fire that has destroyed most of a family home. It’s fortunate that no lives have been lost, given how quickly the blaze took hold, and the fact that two people ended up being trapped by the fire. I’d like to commend the actions of the firefighter who’s quick-thinking stopped the woman falling off the roof to the ground.
“We’ve seen around 160 e-bike and e-scooter fires in London this year and this incident highlights the dangers e-bikes and e-scooters can pose.
“We know this bike had been converted from a normal pedal cycle by having a lithium-ion battery pack fitted to it and was on charge at the time of the fire. The bike had been purchased second-hand from an online marketplace and we also know that the charger being used was generic and not specific to the battery pack.
“E-bikes are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks, with a fire on average once every other day. The stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.
“We always recommend purchasing items from a reputable high-street seller where, at this time, a product is more likely to meet safety standards.
“If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Field continued: “If you can, please keep your e-bike or e-scooter outdoors or in a shed or garage. If you must keep it indoors, do not charge or store it on an escape route. Instead, place it in a room where you can shut a door in the event of a fire and where there are working smoke alarms fitted.
“When you’re charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger, do not overcharge and never charge unattended, such as when you’re sleeping.”
The Brigade’s Control Officers received 23 calls about this fire which damaged most of the first floor and destroyed the loft conversion.
The Brigade was called at 0731 on 14 December and Control Officers mobilised crews from New Cross, Beckenham, Greenwich, Lee Green and surrounding fire stations to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 0939.
London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign has been raising awareness about the fire risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. The Brigade has also been calling for Government to introduce much-needed regulation for online marketplaces to ensure products like lithium-ion batteries, chargers and conversion kits are strictly regulated.
It is hoped the Product Regulation & Metrology Bill will set a pathway for the necessary action to be taken to protect people from these types of fires and the Brigade is providing expertise to Government to ensure the Bill is as strong as possible.