Firefighters have issued a warning about the dangers of lithium-ion batteries after an e-bike battery left on charge caused a significant fire at a property in Crawley.
Eight crews from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and Surrey Fire & Rescue Service responded to Charlock Close on Wednesday, June 17, after receiving multiple 999 calls.
When crews arrived they were confronted with a large fire, with the entire property involved.
One casualty was treated at the scene by South East Coast Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Firefighters also rescued four dogs from the property. Sadly, one cat died in the fire.
The blaze was contained to the property where it started, although neighbouring homes suffered smoke damage.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service said the fire had been caused by an e-bike battery which had been left charging in the living room.
Area Manager Adrian Carter said: “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.
“Lithium-ion batteries are found in many rechargeable devices such as e-bikes, vapes and mobile phones. If over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged, they pose a huge fire safety risk.
“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.”
The fire service is urging people using e-bikes and e-scooters to ensure batteries and chargers are in good condition and to avoid charging them in areas which could block an escape route in the event of a fire.
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