Warning after family escape from e-bike fire in St Helens
Crews are warning that the consequences could've been more severe if it happened in the middle of the night
Fire crews say a family caught up in a huge e-bike fire in St Helens could have died if it happened while they were sleeping.
They were called at around 9:45am on Wednesday 18 February and found one ground floor flat well alight.
One team of firefighters began to search and evacuate the flats, with another team fighting the blaze and extinguishing it just after 10am.
Before they got there, the man living inside the flat helped a pregnant woman and a four-year-old child to escape.
The man needed to be taken to hospital after suffering severe smoke inhalation.
An investigation found the fire was caused by lithium-ion packs from an e-bike failing, which caused the fire to intensify and develop quickly.
MFRS Head of Prevention, Area Manager Mark Thomas, said:
"Firstly, we recognise the actions of the man who has received injuries whilst looking to protect his family and remove them from the property which was on fire.
"I’d also like to acknowledge the actions of firefighters who made a rapid intervention in breathing apparatus before swiftly extinguishing the fire with hose reel jets.
"After the incident, the crews stayed to conduct Home Fire Safety Checks in the block of flats, offering advice to neighbouring properties."
The investigation found contributing factors to the incident, including:
- The e-bike was modified with a DIY, meaning none of the batteries displayed CE markings - which suggested the kit and batteries may been bought from a less reliable source
- The e-bike was placed in the hallway, alongside a freezer and directly outside the child's bedroom, which compromised the escape route and led to extensive damage to the hallway
- The e-bike batteries were next to a radiator operating at full temperature, potentially rising to the battery igniting
AM Thomas added:
"Due to the circumstances, had this fire occurred while the family were sleeping, I have no doubt that the potential was there for a much more serious incident with significant injuries or worse.
"If not used or stored properly, e-bikes and e-scooters can pose a significant fire risk in your home. If you have an e-bike or e-scooter, please follow our home fire safety advice to keep you and your loved ones as safe as possible while at home."
Advice for keeping e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-iron batteries includes:
- Always use manufacturer-recommended batteries and chargers as incompatible chargers and batteries increase the risk of fire
- Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.
- Never charge e-bikes and e-scooters overnight, instead do this during the day and outside of the home when possible.
- Speak to your local bike shop for expert advice and guidance, instead of converting a bike into an e-bike yourself
- Always check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards
- Let the battery cool before charging and always unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and do not leave it unattended or charging while people are sleeping
- Ensure you have one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and check these are working every week
- In the event of a fire in your home, get out, stay out and call 999