Worrying images show how e-bike battery explosion sparks devastating house fire

A fire that tore through a home and threatened the life of a person saved from the flames is believed to have been caused by an exploding e-bike battery.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the home in Leicester on Saturday night. The home was engulfed in flames and a person had to be rescued.

The service shared images of the charred remains of the e-bike and staircase of the home after its lithium battery overheated, and likely caused the blaze.

The fire service said: “Green Watch attended a house fire involving an e-bike which was on charge. One person was successfully rescued from the first floor. Great team work alongside colleagues from Western, Eastern and Wigston stations.

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“It takes seconds for a lithium-ion battery fire to spread. Many of these fires are caused by incompatible chargers, modifications to e-bikes, or faulty or counterfeit products which are purchased online. This includes chargers, lithium batteries and conversion kits for e-bikes.”

The fire service reminded e-bike owners to use the correct charger, never leave the device unattended and allow the battery to cool before charging. One person said: “Where would we be without our wonderful Fire Service.”

Earlier this month, a man suffered life-changing burns as a result of an e-bike catching fire inside a bedroom of his flat. The occupant tried to put out the flames with an extinguisher but suffered the injuries in the process. Firefighters said the blaze happened when the e-bike was on charge and the lithium battery, which powers these vehicles, overheated.

The latest blaze, which happened in Highgate, North London, was the 137th fire because of e-bikes in the capital alone this year. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has again reminded people of the dangers of tackling lithium battery blazes themselves.

LFB Deputy Commissioner Dom Ellis said: "We strongly recommend calling us immediately if there is a fire, but particularly if it involves your e-bike or e-scooter. Fires involving lithium batteries, which power these vehicles, can be ferocious, producing jets of flame.

“The blaze is also hot enough to melt through metal. This type of fire produces a highly flammable, explosive and toxic vapour cloud which should never be inhaled. The fire can also be extremely challenging to put out.”