Firefighters are issuing another reminder about using e-bikes and e-scooters safely following a fire at a three storey house converted into sheltered accommodation flats on Cedars Road in Clapham.
A small part of a flat on the second floor was destroyed, with the rest of the flat left uninhabitable by smoke damage. One person evacuated the flat via a second floor window by jumping onto a first floor flat roof. They were rescued by crews using a nine metre ladder. A further eight people self evacuated after hearing the smoke alarm sounding.
The fire was accidental and believed to be caused by the failure of a lithium battery for an e-bike which was on charge at the time of the fire.
The Brigade's 999 Control officers were first called at 1053 and deployed four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton and Wandsworth fire stations. The fire was under control by 2028.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Last year, we saw a record number of e-bike and e-scooter fires and we continue to see a worrying amount of fires, including this one on Sunday night.
“Fortunately no one was hurt. To reduce the risk of fires starting in the first place, it is vital that you are using batteries that have been purchased from a reputable seller. Items purchased online or second-hand, which don’t meet UK safety standards, are particularly prone to going up in flames.
“Mismatching the charger also increases the risk of 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.
"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."