Investigators have found that a lithium-ion battery that suffered a catastrophic failure caused the fire that killed a mother and three of her children in Bootle, Merseyside.
Elisha Brabin, 36, died alongside her children, Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin, after a blaze tore through their home in the early hours of September 22.
Thermal runaway identified as cause
An investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service concluded that the fire was triggered by an electrical fault which caused a lithium-ion battery to enter "thermal runaway" - a chain reaction in which the battery generates heat faster than it can be dispersed, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable rise in temperature.
Firefighters called to the property in Stone Square at about 3.45am found Ms Brabin and her children in an upstairs bedroom. A fifth person was taken to hospital suffering from burns.
Fire service warning 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 service has not confirmed what the battery was being used for, but they are often found in e-bikes and e-scooters.
150 battery fires recorded in Merseyside
The service revealed that there had been 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries across Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, resulting in five fatalities connected to the batteries.
Mr Johnson said: "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."
Following their deaths, the family of Ms Brabin described her as a "devoted and loving mother who lived for her children".
They said: "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."
