Ten survive devastating house fire blamed on yet another e-bike battery disaster
Firefighters have issued another warning about using e-bikes safely following a house fire in which several people – including a child – managed to escape the inferno which engulfed a home.
The blaze took hold at the house in Sandy Hill Road in Woolwich on Saturday at around 6am.
Most of the ground floor and the staircase of a two-storey mid-terraced house was damaged by the fire. Part of the first floor was also damaged.
Tragedy was only narrowly avoided. Two adults were rescued by firefighters from a rear roof via a short extension ladder. Seven adults and one child escaped the house before firefighters arrived.
Several of the occupants were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of lithium batteries in a converted e-bike – the latest in litany of comparable house fires.
A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “This was a destructive fire that thankfully no one was seriously hurt by.
“The fire, which is believed to have originated from a converted e-bike, spread rapidly and is another example of the dangers these devices can pose, particularly in the home, with e-bikes becoming one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks.
“So far in 2024, we have recorded more than 130 fires involving an e-bike or e-scooter.
“E-bikes and e-scooters can be a great and sustainable way to travel around our city but they must be used safely otherwise the risk of a fire increases.
“Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They can pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand. ”
The brigade has issued more crucial tips, including using the correct chargers for batteries.
“Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire,” a spokesman said. “It’s also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it’s completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you’re sleeping and don’t charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway.”
E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries, which are much more powerful than other types of batteries. 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 and/or explode.
Many of the fires have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops.
The Brigade received six calls about the fire and mobilised crews from Brixton, Lewisham, Orpington, Bromley, Barking and New Cross fire stations. The fire was brought under control by around 7.20am.
Pictured top: The gutted building in Sandy Hill Road (Picture: LFB)