E-bike battery explosion destroys family home days before Christmas
One occupant fell from the roof sustaining serious injuries.
Last updated 20th Dec 2024
A fire that tore through a family’s home in south east London just days before Christmas was caused by a battery on a charging second-hand e-bike that exploded.
The fire service say the blaze on Renshaw Close in Catford, on December 14th is yet another example of the catastrophic consequences that can occur if e-bikes and e-scooters are not charged or stored safely.
Footage from a doorbell camera at a neighbour’s home shows just how quickly the property became engulfed in fire, with several bangs and small explosions heard. Three people were inside the house when the e-bike battery burst into flames on the first floor.
One person was able to escape unharmed through the front door, but two others, who were in the loft, found their exit blocked by fire. With the room becoming consumed by toxic smoke, they had no choice but to climb to through a skylight window and onto the pitched roof.
One of the occupants fell from the roof, and was discovered by firefighters in the garden upon arrival. He has sustained serious injuries, though they are not currently life-changing.
“This was a devastating fire that has destroyed most of a family home. It’s fortunate that no lives have been lost"
Meanwhile, a woman was still on the roof when the first firefighting crews arrived. A nine-metre ladder was quickly set up and a firefighter climbed to rescue her. The woman on the roof slipped but was fortunately caught by the quick actions of the firefighter, preventing her from falling to the ground. She was later treated for smoke inhalation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said: “This was a devastating fire that has destroyed most of a family home. It’s fortunate that no lives have been lost, given how quickly the blaze took hold, and the fact that two people ended up being trapped by the fire. I’d like to commend the actions of the firefighter who’s quick-thinking stopped the woman falling off the roof to the ground.
“We’ve seen around 160 e-bike and e-scooter fires in London this year and this incident highlights the dangers e-bikes and e-scooters can pose.
“We know this bike had been converted from a normal pedal cycle by having a lithium-ion battery pack fitted to it and was on charge at the time of the fire. The bike had been purchased second-hand from an online marketplace and we also know that the charger being used was generic and not specific to the battery pack.
“E-bikes are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks, with a fire on average once every other day. The stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.
“We always recommend purchasing items from a reputable high-street seller where, at this time, a product is more likely to meet safety standards.
“If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Field continued: “If you can, please keep your e-bike or e-scooter outdoors or in a shed or garage. If you must keep it indoors, do not charge or store it on an escape route. Instead, place it in a room where you can shut a door in the event of a fire and where there are working smoke alarms fitted.
“When you’re charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger, do not overcharge and never charge unattended, such as when you’re sleeping.”