Blaze caused by lithium batteries claims life of a cat

A cat – believed to be the family pet – died after half of the first floor and part of the ground floor of a property in Erith were destroyed by fire.

Four people evacuated the property in Jenningtree Road before London Fire Brigade crews arrived – a fleet of four fire engines and about 25 firefighters being involved in yesterday afternoon’s emergency.

A mother and her teenage son were treated on the scene for the affects of smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. Two cats were rescued by crews wearing breathing apparatus, but one of the pets died at the scene.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries. They are often used in e-bikes and scooters, although investigators have not yet confirmed what the battery was being used for.

A London Fire Brigade 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.

“This type of fire produces a highly flammable, explosive and toxic vapour cloud which should never be inhaled. The fire can also be extremely challenging to put out. Our advice is to get away to safety and call 999.”

Pictured top: The gutted home in Jenningtree Road (Picture: LFB)