Charging battery causes house fire in Bowthorpe
The fire service has issued a warning about buying lithium-ion batteries
Norfolk Fire and Rescue is reminding people in the county to only buy rechargeable batteries from safe and reputable retailers.
The warning comes after a house fire in Bowthorpe last Tuesday, which was started when a charging battery caught fire.
These living in the house in Bowthorpe managed to escape the fire last Tuesday evening, and a subsequent investigation has determined that the fire started with the battery, purchased from an online retailer, and charger.
“Unfortunately, this fire has started with a battery and had devastating consequences for the residents as their home has been significantly damaged,” said Emyr Gough, Head of Prevention at Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service.
The Trading Standards department is currently working with fire investigators and the householder to find out more about the retailer and exact battery and charger involved.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in a range of devices including; mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cigarettes and hover boards.
It comes as a Safety Bill about rechargeable batteries is due to go before the House of Lords on Friday (6th September).
"Turn it off, unplug it and take it outside"
Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: “You can reduce the risk of fires by checking batteries regularly and ensuring you only buy from reputable retailers so that products meet UK safety standards.
"Look out for warning signs of problems, such as wear and tear, overheating, an unusual smell, unusual sounds or a battery or charger that is bulging out of its usual shape. If you see any of these signs, turn it off, unplug it and take it outside if it is safe to do so.”
Here are some other tips to help keep you safe in the home:
• Only charging batteries when you are at home and while you are awake.
• Charging devices and batteries on a solid flat surface.
• Ensuring batteries and chargers meet UK safety standards.
• Charging in a location that does not block your emergency exits, should a fire occur.
• Using the charger that came with the battery and if you need a replacement charger or battery, only buying it from a supplier recommended by the device manufacturer.
• If your battery, charger or device is smoking, turn it off if safe to do so. If you see a fire, leave the room shut doors and get out of the property and then call 999.