There were 17 calls made to 999
A flat was destroyed after a fire tore through a South London home, leaving three people in A&E. It’s prompted yet another e-scooter warning after the lithium battery failed on Warwick Road, Sutton yesterday.
A first-floor flat was destroyed and part of the loft of a semi-detached house converted into flats was also damaged. Three people were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
The control room took the first of 17 calls to the fire at 10.23am and it was under control by 12.27pm. The fire brigade issued a reminder that it is vital to use lithium batteries purchased from a reputable seller. This is because items purchased online or second-hand that don’t meet UK safety standards are particularly prone to catching fire.
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.
Converting a bike from a pushbike into an e-bike should always be carried out by a professional or competent person.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Residents became aware of the fire after hearing a loud bang on the first floor. The fire blocked their main escape route, preventing them from using the stairs to exit the flat. As a result, they were forced to evacuate the building through a window.
“This incident highlights why you should always ensure your escape route is clear and why we recommend to never store your e-bike or e-scooter on your means of escape, such as a hallway or by your front door. We’ve seen the devastating consequences of what can happen when an exit is blocked by an e-scooter fire. Instead, keep it in a room where you can shut a door, contain the fire and call 999.
“This incident also highlights the importance of working smoke alarms and heat detection. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.
“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 [206] 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.”
Don’t miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more
