‘Catastrophic failure’ of lithium battery causes house fire

Firefighters have blamed the “catastrophic failure” of a lithium battery for a house fire in west London last night.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters tackled the blaze in The Little Boltons, Chelsea, at around 9pm, after receiving six calls from concerned members of the public.

The ground floor of the four-storey semi-detached property was partially damaged by fire. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the “catastrophic failure” of a lithium battery from a drill, according to the London Fire Brigade (LFB).

Crews from Chelsea, Kensington, Clapham and Battersea fire stations brought the fire under control by around 10.15pm.

A spokesman said: “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

“Fires involving lithium batteries, which power devices, can be ferocious, producing jets of flame. The blaze is also hot enough to melt through metal.”

The type of fire caused by a lithium battery also produces a highly flammable, explosive and toxic vapour which should not be inhaled.

The spokesman said: “Our advice is to get away to safety and call 999.”

(Picture: LFB)