Lithium-ion battery on charge causes house fire in Wivenhoe
It was from a mobility scooter
Crews have issued safety advice, after a lithium-ion battery on charge has caused a house fire in Wivenhoe.
Fire crews were called to Broome Grove yesterday (Wednesday 29 October) at 12.27pm and crews from Colchester (two), Brightlingsea and Weeley, and an aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford, attended.
The occupant was in the semi-detached house when the fire started and was able to raise the alarm.
Station Manager Quentin Sage said: "Neighbours and contractors who were working at a nearby school helped to get the occupant out unharmed.
"The fire started on the first floor and crews did a really good job of stopping it from spreading to the adjoining property.
"Unfortunately the first floor was badly damaged by fire and the ground floor has sustained water damage so the house is temporarily uninhabitable."
"The battery on charge was for mobility scooter.
"The incident is a reminder to be extremely careful with lithium-ion batteries. Don't leave batteries on charge unattended or overnight.
"If you think there is a fault with a lithium-ion battery; if it has been damaged, is overheating or isn't holding its charge, dispose of it responsibly.
"Charge and store them away from your living areas, particularly escape routes, just in case they catch fire."