Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a maisonette fire on Rutland Gate in Belvedere.
Most of the ground floor and the entire first floor of a split-level maisonette were damaged by fire. Part of the second and third floors of a further maisonette were also damaged and the whole of the soffit and guttering of the building were destroyed. A woman and four children left the flat before the Brigade arrived and were assessed on scene.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the failure of a lithium battery for a quad bike.
The Brigade’s Control Officers took the first of 8 calls to the fire at 0515 and mobilised crews from Erith, Bexley and Plumstead fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 0707.
Lithium battery safety tips
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Store electric vehicles somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed.
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Always use the correct charger, otherwise the risk of fire increases, and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
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Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards. We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards. Consumers buying any product can check that the item displays a UKCA or CE mark that ensures that the products meet UK and EU safety, health or environmental requirements. If buying online, buy from a UK supplier.
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Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape. Let the battery cool before charging. Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure if overheated. If you are charging batteries indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging.
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Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
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Fit alarms where you charge. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where devices or vehicles are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly. You can quickly and easily check your home by visiting our free online home fire safety checker tool.