Fire crews were called to an incident on Duckett Street in Stepney Green, London on 6 August. The blaze, which the London Fire Brigade's (LFB) investigators believe was caused by the failure of a Lithium-ion battery from an e-bike, damaged a first-floor flat in a three-story block.
Nine residents of the block had already left the building when the Brigade arrived, and there were no reported injuries. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to the fire at 01:05, which was under control by 02:08. Additional fire crews from Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Shadwell, and Poplar were also assisting at the scene.
Lithium-ion batteries
A spokesperson for the LFB said, “It’s incredibly concerning we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity, and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious."
“Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used and there is a significant risk posed by e-bikes that have been converted. We are predominantly seeing fires in ones which have been purchased from online marketplaces and batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards."
smoke detection
We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly"
“Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed."
“However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on using safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire. We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”
Fire safety advice
The LFB has also offered the following advice for owners of e-bikes and e-scooters, in an attempt to prevent more of these incidents from occurring:
- Always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
- Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to recharge as they could be more susceptible to failure.
- Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.
- Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.
- Users should always make sure to unplug their charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
- Ensure to have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.
- Never block the escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main route.
