Cat dies in Crawley house fire caused by e-bike battery
Crews from West Sussex and Surrey respond to a major fire incident
Firefighters have issued a warning about the risks of lithium-ion batteries after a significant fire at a property in Crawley.
The blaze was attributed to an e-bike battery left on charge in the living room.
Eight crews from West Sussex and Surrey Fire & Rescue Services were dispatched to Charlock Close on 17th June following multiple emergency calls.
On arrival, they were confronted with a large fire and the entire property engulfed in flames.
Paramedics from South East Coast Ambulance Service treated one person at the scene for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Firefighters also rescued four dogs, though a cat sadly perished in the fire.
Area Manager Adrian Carter highlighted the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in rechargeable items like e-bikes, vapes, and mobile phones:
"This was a serious fire that developed very quickly and caused significant damage to the entire property. While the fire itself was contained to the property of origin, neighbours suffered smoke damage to their properties too.
"Fires involving lithium-ion batteries can escalate rapidly and produce intense heat and toxic smoke in a very short space of time.
“Never charge large lithium-ion batteries, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, in hallways or stairwells where they could block your escape. Try to charge and store them away from living areas.”