An inquiry has found that a blaze which killed a mother and her three children in Bootle was sparked by a lithium-ion battery. Elisha Brabin, 36, along with her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and Prudence Brabin, seven, died in the fire at their property on Stone Square during the early hours of Tuesday, September 22.
Electrical incident led to thermal runaway
An examination into what triggered the fire determined it began with an electrical incident which led to a lithium-ion battery entering thermal runaway, according to a spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS). Thermal runaway happens when the battery produces more heat than it can discharge safely, resulting in its temperature escalating rapidly and beyond control.
Ms Brabin and her youngsters were discovered in an upstairs bedroom by firefighters who responded to the property at around 3.45am. A fifth victim was rushed to hospital with burns.
Fire service urges caution over battery safety
Kev Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, said: "This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives and those who were injured.
"I would like to commend the efforts of our fire control staff and our fire crews, also working with NWAS colleagues, who made every effort to provide a different outcome, but sadly this was not the case due to the speed and intensity of the fire. This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire."
The fire brigade hasn't revealed what the battery was powering, though they're commonly fitted in e-bikes and e-scooters. Officials reported that 150 fires connected to lithium-ion batteries occurred across Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, resulting in five deaths associated with these power cells.
Family tribute to victims
Mr Johnson stated: "We're urging people to follow the manufacturer's instructions, only using batteries and chargers which have been supplied with the vehicle or approved by the manufacturer, as anything else can pose a huge fire risk.
"It's also important to know and recognise the signs that your lithium-ion battery may be failing – if it is swelling, making unusual sounds, has a strong smell, is failing to charge, or is smoking, please stop using immediately."
After their deaths, Ms Brabin's relatives described her as a "devoted and loving mother who lived for her children". They stated: "The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. They have all been taken from us far too soon.
"The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever."
