Three people were forced to leap from a first-floor flat in Hither Green after an e-scooter battery caught fire, causing a severe blaze that destroyed part of the property.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) received reports of the fire on Castillon Road at 10:25pm on March 5, sending three fire engines and 15 firefighters from Lee Green, Lewisham, and Forest Hill stations to tackle the emergency.

Fire Engulfs Flat, Occupants Escape by Jumping

Before firefighters arrived, two men and a woman had already jumped from the first floor in a desperate bid to escape the flames. The LFB’s 999 Control officers received 12 emergency calls from concerned residents as flames poured from the building’s windows.

The fire caused extensive damage, ripping through an internal wall and blowing out a bedroom door. The window in the room where the blaze originated was also blown out due to the intensity of the flames.

Cause of the Fire: Lithium Battery Failure in E-Scooter

Fire investigators have determined that the fire was sparked by a failure in the lithium battery of an e-scooter stored inside the flat.

Station Commander Paul Meyrick highlighted the growing risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires, saying:

“This fire is yet another example of why we are so concerned about e-bikes and e-scooters and why we’re running our #ChargeSafe campaign to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with these vehicles.

Safety Warning on E-Bike and E-Scooter Storage

Meyrick further urged residents to avoid storing e-bikes and e-scooters in escape routes, as this fire left the occupants trapped inside with no clear way out.

“The fire happened in a room near the entrance to the flat, leaving the occupants unable to escape. It highlights the importance of never blocking an escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters.”

He advised storing these devices away from main thoroughfares, preferably in a garage or shed, or at the very least in a room where a door can be shut to contain a fire.

Firefighters Bring Blaze Under Control

Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames, bringing the blaze under control by 12:34am. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though the residents were shaken by the terrifying ordeal.

Authorities are reminding the public to use approved chargers for e-scooters and e-bikes and to avoid leaving them charging overnight or near flammable materials.

For more safety advice on lithium battery risks, visit the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign website.