A house fire in Bromley on Tuesday morning has been linked to a malfunctioning lithium battery for an e-bike, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to Farmfield Road at 8.58am on 18 June, following seven separate 999 calls reporting a blaze in an end-of-terrace home.
Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Bromley, Lee Green, Lewisham and Forest Hill fire stations responded to the incident.
Fire crews arrived to find the ground floor of the property well alight. According to the LFB, half of the ground floor, most of the staircase and first floor, and part of the roof were severely damaged before the flames were brought under control by 10:30am.
Three Treated, Including Child Taken to Hospital
Two women were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. A child was also taken to hospital for further assessment. No life-threatening injuries were reported.
The fire is currently being treated as accidental, with investigators confirming that the cause was the failure of a lithium-ion battery pack used to power an electric bicycle.
E-Bike Fires: A Growing Urban Hazard
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade issued a renewed warning about the dangers of lithium battery fires, particularly from modified or improperly charged e-bikes and e-scooters:
“E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, the stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning—especially when fitted with second-hand batteries or used with the wrong chargers.”
LFB data shows that since the beginning of 2023, London has experienced one fire every two days involving either an e-bike or e-scooter.
The Brigade urges Londoners to:
- Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and batteries
- Avoid purchasing second-hand or incompatible components
- Never leave e-bikes or scooters charging unattended, especially overnight
- Store and charge these devices in a well-ventilated area, away from exits or flammable materials
Safety Tips & Further Information
Residents are encouraged to visit the London Fire Brigade’s Fire Safety Advice pages for guidance on lithium battery safety.
For urgent fire safety concerns, call 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
