Firefighters have issued a safety warning after attending a fire in Shoreham caused by an e-bike battery.
Crews were called to Church Green at twenty-eight minutes past two on Monday afternoon after a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike conversion kit went into thermal runaway and ignited.
Firefighters cooled the battery by submerging it in water and used a thermal imaging camera to monitor its temperature.
They’re urging people using e-bike conversion kits to ensure batteries and chargers are compatible, warning mismatched equipment can significantly increase the risk of fire.
Crew Commander Mike Wattam said: “E-bike conversion kits are becoming increasingly popular, but they pose a serious fire risk when incompatible batteries and chargers are used.
“Electronic devices, batteries, and chargers should only be purchased from reputable retailers to ensure they meet UK product safety standards.”
Station Manager Darren Wickings, Chair of the lithium-ion group LIBERATE, said: “E-bike conversions should only be carried out by a professional. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not attempt to modify or tamper with the battery, charger or motor yourself.
“Always use the correct charger to charge your batteries. Charge them on a flat, solid and stable surface and don’t leave them charging while unattended or overnight.
“Ensure you have working smoke alarms near to where you charge your batteries. Never charge electric bikes and scooters in areas where they could block your means of escape in an emergency.”
The LIBERATE group shares best practice and awareness around the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and serves as a forum to monitor emerging trends to reduce the risk that they pose. It has a membership of 220 individuals from a variety of organisations, including other fire and rescue services and waste management companies.
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