E-bike Batteries Cause Fires in London and Bournemouth
Two individuals sustained severe injuries while fleeing a residence fire in Hackney, reportedly triggered by the malfunction of an e-bike battery.
In the early morning hours of December 14, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) responded to reports of a significant fire at a three-story property in Hackney. Six fire vehicles and 40 firefighters were dispatched to the location, and the LFB later verified that the fire originated from the "catastrophic failure of an e-bike battery located at the bottom of a ground floor staircase, obstructing the escape route."
Despite bringing the fire under control within two hours, the LFB later confirmed that a substantial portion of the building had been "consumed by flames."
The LFB disclosed that a mother and her son, trapped by the flames, were compelled to evacuate through the property's windows and required medical attention. The mother sustained serious injuries after leaping from a second-floor window, while her son, who jumped from the first-floor window, was also admitted to the hospital.
Charlie Pugsley, the Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, commented, "This was a devastating fire that has obliterated a home and serves as a stark illustration of why the Brigade has been conducting its #ChargeSafe awareness campaign."
Pugsley emphasized the importance of safe practices with e-bike and e-scooter batteries, particularly during the holiday season. Prior to the Hackney incident, another fire occurred in Harringay, where an e-bike battery pack caught fire, causing burns to a teenager. Additionally, a converted e-bike sparked a blaze, necessitating the evacuation of a Bournemouth YMCA block of flats on December 18.
Pugsley issued a warning: "If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, do not store or charge it on an escape route such as a hallway. If you can’t keep it outside, put it in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire."
Highlighting a concerning trend, the LFB reported a record number of e-bike (150) and e-scooter (28) fires in London this year, a 53% increase compared to the entire year of 2022. Three fatalities and 60 injuries have been recorded. Pugsley attributed many incidents to second-hand vehicles, incorrect chargers, or modifications using online-purchased parts.
He expressed concerns about the lack of regulation for products sold online, urging people to buy from reputable sellers and adhere to safety guidelines when purchasing or using e-bikes and e-scooters. The LFB also provided safety tips and guidance for users of these vehicles.