An investigation into the cause of a house fire in Drakelow that led to one adult and two children having to escape through a first-floor window has determined the most probable cause to be an accidental due to the failure of a lithium-ion battery within an e-bike.
Firefighters from Swadlincote and Staffordshire’s Burton Fire Station attended the semi-detached property on Harbury Close, Drakelow, following a 999 call to control operators at 01:47 hours today (Tuesday 25 November).
Three people were out of the property upon arrival of fire crews and handed into the care of East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Speaking following the incident, Station Manager Barclay Masterson said: “Luckily, the property had working smoke alarms that activated and alerted everyone inside. This allowed the family time to evacuate through a window as their escape route was blocked by the rapidly developing fire.
“Without working smoke alarms, the outcome could have been very different, as this was a severe fire that put those within the property at significant risk. Lithium-ion batteries power our everyday lives, and it is devastating to see the extensive damage caused on this occasion by one used to power an e-bike.
“The battery cells used in e-bikes and e-scooters can cause rapid fire development, while producing large volumes of toxic smoke and flammable gases. The risks cannot be overstated and this could have been a very different outcome if there hadn’t been smoke alarms in the property.
“It is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and store e-bikes and e-scooters appropriately within your property so that, in the event of a fire, the risk of harm to those inside is significantly reduced and their escape route is not blocked.
“Do not charge e-bikes and e-scooters when you are asleep or away from home and always purchase them from a reputable retailer.”
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people of the following fire safety advice:
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install detection?, we recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
- Charge batteries when you are awake and alert, so you can respond quickly if there is a fire. Do not charge them when you are asleep or away from home.
- Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas. If there’s a fire, it can prevent someone escaping to safety!
- Always purchase e-bikes, e-scooters, chargers and batteries from reputable retailers.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and using your product.
- Regularly inspect your product and check for damage or warning signs that your battery might be failing, or is damaged – this can make them a significant fire risk!
- Carry out a bedtime check before going to sleep. This should include closing all of your internal doors. This will stop a fire from spreading. Check all your escape routes are clear, and switch all electrical devices that can be switch off – OFF!
- Keep door and window keys where you know where they are and in an easily accessibleeasily accessible place so these can be found quickly in the event of a fire.
- Have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home. This means smoke will reach your alarm much quicker, giving you and your family those vital extra seconds to Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999.
- In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire – do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Get out, stay out, call 999.
Station Manager Masterson added: “I urge anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter – or is thinking of purchasing one this Black Friday or Christmas whether for themself or as a present – to follow our safety advice to protect those around them and their properties.
“Again this could have been a very different story without working smoke alarms, which provided vital early warning of the fire and gave the family the chance for a lucky escape.”
For more information regarding home fire safety, including advice on the safe storage, charging and use of e-bikes and e-scooters, visit: www.derbys-fire.gov.uk
