A woman was forced to leap from a first-floor window after two e-bikes burst into flames while charging, blocking her escape route in a Brent flat blaze. The London Fire Brigade has issued fresh warnings following the incident.
Details of the Incident
Fire crews were called to Brondesbury Park in Brent on June 10, shortly before 5am, after a fire broke out at a detached house converted into flats. One woman escaped by jumping from a first-floor window at the front of the building. Three other residents climbed down onto a flat roof at the rear of the first floor to safety.
The fire was deemed accidental, likely caused by a lithium battery fault in an e-bike that was charging. The bikes obstructed the exit, leaving windows as the only escape route.
Fire Brigade Warning
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: 'The fire blocked the residents' main escape route, preventing them from exiting the flat. As a result, they were forced to evacuate through bedroom windows. This incident highlights why you should always ensure your escape route is clear and why we recommend never storing an e-bike or e-scooter on your means of escape, such as a hallway or by your front door. Instead, keep it in a room where you can shut a door, contain the fire and call 999.'
The brigade also stressed the importance of working smoke alarms and heat detection. 'Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts. We urge everyone to fit one in every room where a fire can start, except kitchens or bathrooms, where heat alarms are more appropriate.'
Rising E-Bike Fires
London Fire Brigade attends a fire involving an e-bike or e-scooter on average every other day. Last year saw a record 206 such fires. The brigade urges owners to follow #ChargeSafe advice, including using compatible chargers, not overcharging, and storing batteries away from exits.
