Safety warning after Bow e-bike fire
Eight people had to be rescued from a block of flats on Thursday evening
London Fire Brigade has issued a safety warning about e-bikes and e-scooters after a fire at a block of flats in Bow.
Eight people were rescued from the property in Thomas Fyre Drive, Bow, after fire officers were called to the seven storey block at around 11:59pm on Thursday 24 September.
An e-bike battery charging in a communal hallway catastrophically failed and destroyed a communal hallway.
Six people with smoking inhalation were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service with a further two residents taken to hospital for precautionary checks.
The fire is believed to be accidental.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, said: “The fire blocked the residents main escape route, preventing them from exiting the flat. As a result, they were forced to wait for crews to rescue them.
"This incident highlights why you should always ensure your escape route is clear and why we recommend never storing an e-bike or e-scooter on your means of escape, such as a hallway or by your front door. We’ve seen the devastating consequences of what can happen when an exit is blocked by an e-bike or e-scooter fire. Instead, keep it in a room where you can shut a door, contain the fire and call 999.
"This incident happened close to midnight and also highlights the importance of working smoke alarms and heat detection. Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.
“In London, we have been attending a fire, on average every other day involving an e-bike or e-scooter. Last year, we saw a record number of fires 206 and this is why we urge those who own one of these vehicles, or are thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at our #ChargeSafe advice to help keep themselves and those around them safe.”
"It's also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it's completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you're sleeping."