Warning after e-bike battery causes house fire

An accidental house fire in Nottingham that saw one man rescued and eight others led to safety was caused by the failure of an e-bike battery.

Three people suffered minor injuries in the blaze in Burford Road, in the Forest Fields area of the city, at about 04:20 BST on Wednesday.

The flames and smoke destroyed the front room and window of the three-storey property.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said the outcome of the fire could have been "catastrophic".

The lithium-ion battery that caused the fire had been bought second-hand online and was left charging overnight, the fire service said.

Amy Goulden, head of community safety and engagement at the fire service, said: "Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are on the rise, and as a service we are attending more of them.

"This incident is just another example of how dangerous these types of fires can be.

"Thankfully, the incident was resolved quickly, and we are relieved to hear the injuries of those involved are minor, however the effects could have been catastrophic."

While investigating, the fire service said it found the internal doors of the property were shut, giving the residents and emergency service personnel extra time.

"Although the charger was the one which had come with the bike, it may not have been through rigorous safety checks needed to sell these products new on the High Street," Ms Goulden added.

In May, campaigning charity Electrical Safety First said fires caused by substandard e-scooter and e-bike batteries were "tearing through homes", and called for stricter sales rules to be introduced to reduce the risks.

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