Four people were treated for smoke inhalation following the Amber Avenue fire this morning (21st October), reports Marco Marcelline

The ground floor flat living room was left gutted, Credit: London Fire Brigade

A fire caused by an e-bike battery that was on charge destroyed most of a ground floor flat in Amber Avenue, Walthamstow this morning (21st October).

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) were first alerted to the fire at 1.49am and they dispatched three fire engines and around 15 firefighters form Walthamstow and Tottenham fire stations. The fire was under control by 2.58am, the LFB said.

A flat occupant became aware of the fire when he heard “popping noises” before seeing flames in the living room where the converted e-bike battery was on charge. He and one other man left the property before the LFB arrived.

They were both subsequently treated at the scene by London Ambulance Service paramedics for smoke inhalation. A man and a woman from a neighbouring flat were led to safety by firefighters and also treated for inhaling smoke.

The battery belonged to a converted e-bike, the LFB said.

E-bikes and e-scooters are said to be one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks. According to the LFB, since the beginning of 2023, there has been a fire involving an e-bike or e-scooter, on average, every other day.

The torched e-bike, Credit: London Fire Brigade

An LFB spokesperson added: “This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of following our safety advice when using e-bikes and e-scooters.

“If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, there are a number of things you can do to help keep yourself and those around you safe.

“It is vital that you do not store or charge the device on an escape route such as a hallway. We have seen incidents where people have had to jump from windows or be rescued by firefighters because their escape route has been blocked by fire or smoke. If it is not possible to keep the device outside or in a shed or garage, make sure it is in a room where you can shut the door and contain a fire.

“When charging your e-bike or e-scooter, make sure you are using the correct charger. Mismatching the charger increases the risk of fire. It’s also important not to overcharge and to unplug the charger once it’s completed charging. Never charge an e-bike or e-scooter unattended or whilst you’re sleeping.

“If you’re converting your bike from a pushbike into an e-bike, make sure you get a professional or competent person to carry out the conversion.

“We encourage anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter, or is thinking about purchasing one, to take a look at all of our #ChargeSafe advice on our website to help keep themselves and those around them safer from these types of fires.”

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