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E-bike battery blamed for fire at cycle shop in South Tottenham

Fortunately there were no reports of any injuries from the blaze on Sunday night

Aftermath of the shop fire in West Green Road (credit LFB)
Aftermath of the shop fire in West Green Road (credit LFB)

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended a fire at a shop in South Tottenham last night (Sunday 7th).

Most of a cycle repair shop in West Green Road, with flats above, was damaged by fire. Several people left the building before firefighters arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium battery pack for an e-bike. The fire is then believed to have spread to involve a number of other e-bike battery packs situated within the shop.

A London Fire Brigade (LFB) spokesperson said: “Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure and can present a serious fire risk if they’re over-charged, short circuited, submerged in water or damaged.

“Try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.”

LFB control officers received eight calls about the fire from 6.56pm and the fire was brought under control by 8.12pm. Crews from Hornsey, Tottenham, Holloway and Walthamstow fire stations attended the scene.

E-bikes and e-scooters are powered by lithium batteries. These types of batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.

Many of the e-bike and e-scooter fires in London have involved second-hand vehicles or the bike has been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so LFB says it cannot be confident that products meet the correct safety standard.

For more safety information, including about how to safely store and charge your e-bike:
Visit
 #ChargeSafe campaign advice


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