UPDATE: Gosport fire that ripped through seven homes caused by e-scooter battery
Two people were treated at the scene by paramedics
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
A fire which ripped through seven homes in Gosport overnight was thought to have been started by an e-scooter.
Families have been forced to leave their homes after a fire spread to seven houses in Gosport.
The blaze broke out in Hill Park Road near HMS Sultan at around 9.30pm on Tuesday.
Firefighters worked through the night to tackle the fire that started in a three storey property and spread through the roof to neighbouring properties.
The initial reports and the preliminary fire investigation has found that an e-scooter is the most likely cause of the fire.
At the height of the fire, a large plume of black smoke could be seen rising above roof tops and neighbours were urged to keep windows and doors closed.
The fire service said two people were treated at the scene by paramedics, but there were no serious injuries.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Multiple crews spent the night and the early hours of this morning controlling a fire, that originated in a domestic three storey dwelling and spread through the roof, affecting seven neighbouring properties.
"Nine adults and four children have been displaced from the affected properties and are in the care of emergency planning."
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is now issuing a renewed warning about the safe charging and storing of e-scooters and other items using lithium-ion batteries.
HIWFRS Station Manager, Lacey Plumbley, who attended the Gosport fire said: “E-bikes and e-scooters with lithium-ion batteries can catch fire quickly and with little warning. Thankfully everyone managed to evacuate the properties safely, but a number of families have seen their homes severely damaged as a result of this fire.
“We are urging people to keep an eye on their e-scooter and e-bikes when they are charging them and to think carefully about where they store them. Ideally they should be stored outside, but if they have to be stored inside avoid blocking emergency escape routes.”