Firefighters have issued a reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely following a fire at semi-detached houses on Gresham Drive in Chadwell Heath.
Half of the roof, part of the first floor and a small part of the ground floor of one semi-detached house were damaged by the fire. A second semi-detached house was destroyed by the fire. Part of the flat roof on the first floor and a small part of the fencing, soffit and fascia of a third semi-detached house were also damaged by the fire. A shed at the third house was destroyed by the fire. One woman was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and was caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery for an e-scooter.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "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. If you keep an e-bike or e-scooter indoors make sure it is never being 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 one of London's fastest-growing fire risks. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a fire involving an e-bike or e-scooter, on average, once every two days.
The Brigade spokesperson continued: "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."
One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to provide the Incident Commander with an aerial view of the fire.
Control Officers took the first of 25 calls at 1821 and mobilised crews from Romford, Hornchurch and Ilford fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2021.