Firefighters in Hounslow are engaging with residents to help educate them about the dangers of lithium batteries after a spike in fires. 

There has been an increase in fires relating to e-bikes and e-scooters with the London Fire Brigade called to one on average once every two days in 2023, with 87 e-bike fires and 29 e-scooter fires in 2022. 

The London Fire Brigade are now looking to educate people in Hounslow about the potential risks of fires from the lithium batteries which power these vehicles. 

There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of a fire when charging these batteries and these are: keeping an eye out for any warning signs of the battery failing, never leaving the battery unattended whilst it is charging, making sure the battery and charger meet UK safety standards, making sure the charger is the correct one for the specific battery, letting the battery cool before charging it, unplugging the charger once the battery is charged, and fitting a smoke alarm where the battery is being charged. 

The warning signs for an e-bike or e-scooter being a fire hazard are: if the battery is extremely hot to the touch whilst not being used, it swelling out of its usual shape, if it is making hissing or crackling sounds, if the battery emits an unusual smell, if it takes longer to charge, or if it is already smoking. 

Sofia Duarte, 21, finished work in a night club on New Year's Day 2023 and came back to a flat and whilst she slept the other residents heard a loud explosion which caused a fire at the bottom of the stairs. 

Duarte and her partner were awoken by the smoke alarm, and he suggested they leave by the window but she headed towards the bedroom door. 

Firefighters using breathing apparatus searched for her, but were too late to save her and the investigation found that the fire had been started by the lithium power pack of an e-bike.