A terrifying e-scooter fire erupted inside a converted flat in Noel Road yesterday, forcing one man to leap from a window to escape the flames.
The blaze, which broke out around 1:30pm on Wednesday (16 July), is believed to have started due to a malfunctioning e-scooter battery that was charging inside the property. The fire spread quickly, blocking the main exit and trapping residents inside.
Five people managed to flee the building before the London Fire Brigade arrived. One man, however, had no choice but to jump from a window to escape the inferno. He was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
The entrance area of the flat took the brunt of the damage, and part of the first floor was also affected.
Fire officials have since issued a stark warning to the public, highlighting the increasing fire risk posed by e-scooter and e-bike batteries. These types of incidents are becoming alarmingly frequent in the capital.
According to the London Fire Brigade, there’s now an average of one e-bike or e-scooter fire every two days in the city since the beginning of 2023.
“If you can, store an e-bike or e-scooter outdoors in an external location such as a garage or shed. However, we understand that this is not possible for everyone,” said a London Fire Brigade spokesperson.
“If you keep an e-bike or e-scooter indoors, make sure it is never stored or charged on an escape route, such as a hallway, by the front door or on or under a staircase. Instead, have it in a room away from the door, where in the event of a fire, you can shut the door and get everyone to safety.”
“E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted, or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.”
“We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all of our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires.”
The incident has once again thrown the spotlight on the dangers of charging high-powered lithium-ion batteries indoors, especially in areas blocking escape routes.
Residents across London are being urged to follow #ChargeSafe guidelines and never charge such devices overnight or unattended.
