Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely following a fire at an end of terrace shop with dwellings above on Grant Road in Wealdstone.
An e-bike was destroyed and part of a ground-floor lobby area was also damaged by fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led five people to safety via an internal staircase and a further four people left the building before the Brigade arrived. They were all assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade was called at 0928 and the fire was under control by 1042. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Harrow, Stanmore and Wembley fire stations attended the scene.
The cause of the fire is believed to be due to the failure of an e-bike lithium battery.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "“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-bike 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.
"We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires."