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A Brixton family had a lucky escape after the batteries of a converted e-bike exploded overnight on Tuesday, torching their split-level maisonette.
A woman and three children managed to flee the blaze on Willington Road at around 2.20am, with the woman being rushed to hospital for smoke inhalation. The three children were also treated at the scene.
Firefighters said their escape was “extraordinary” and only occurred because one of the occupants heard a loud bang in the middle of the night and then discovered the blaze.
The fire is thought to have been caused by the catastrophic failure of lithium batteries on a converted e-bike that was being charged at the time. The blaze destroyed much of the second floor of the property.
Lambeth Borough Commander, Jonathan Holt, said: "This appears to have been an extraordinary escape for this family after their home became engulfed in flames in the middle of the night.
“One of the occupants was alerted to a loud bang and discovered the fire, quickly alerting the others to get out.
"The first firefighters were on scene within three minutes of being alerted and observed thick black smoke billowing from the property.
“The scale of devastation caused by this fire demonstrates just how ferocious fires involving lithium batteries can be.”
Firefighters repeated warnings about the fire risks of converted e-bikes, saying e-scooters and e-bikes have been connected to a fire in the capital on average once a day in 2023 and 2024.
Particularly risky is converting pedal bikes into e-bikes by using DIY kits that can be bought online.
Firefighters instead recommend using a professional to carry out any conversions, buying a battery from a reputable seller, and using the correct charger for the battery.
"Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping and don't charge it on an escape route, such as in a hallway,” said LFB Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection, Richard Field.
“Instead, charge or store the device outdoors or in a shed. If this is not possible, make sure the device is in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire and that you have working smoke detection fitted."
Around 25 firefighters from Clapham, Brixton and Lambeth fire stations fought the blaze. The fire was brought under control around an hour later at 3.35am.
