Woman jumps from third-floor balcony to escape e-bike blaze at Lewisham flat

The e-bike responsible is thought to have been charging for 12 hours, London Fire Brigade said

A woman was forced to jump from a third-floor balcony after a fire sparked by an e-bike broke out at a block of flats in Lewisham. The “catastrophic failure” of a charging lithium battery caused the blaze on Reculver Road on Sunday morning (April 12).

Firefighters were called to the area shortly before 11.15am when flames ignited in the hallway. The e-bike responsible is thought to have been plugged in for around 12 hours, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

The woman who leapt to safety sustained a severe injury in the fall and was taken to hospital by paramedics. A man was also led to safety by firefighters and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Richard Field, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection at LFB, said: “This incident highlights why you should always ensure your escape route is clear and why we recommend to never charge your e-bike or e-scooter on your means of escape, such as a hallway or by your front door.

“Although working smoke alarms helped alert the occupants quickly to this fire, a woman found herself trapped inside a bedroom with smoke travelling in. She decided to go out onto the balcony and jump to the ground, three storeys high.

“She has unfortunately sustained a quite serious injury due to the fall and we wish her well in her recovery.”

206 fires were sparked by an e-bike or e-scooter across the capital in 2025 alone, the Brigade said. Last month, a 16-year-old boy was killed and a second seriously injured when a e-bike ‘exploded’ inside a Southwark home.

Richard added: “In London, we have been attending a fire, on average every other day involving an e-bike or e-scooter. Last year, we saw a record number of fires and this is why we urge those who own of these vehicles or are thinking about purchasing one to take a look at our #ChargeSafe advice to help keep themselves and those around them safe.”