A Whitehaven house fire – which has left a family with nothing just weeks before Christmas – was caused by an e-bike’s battery.
Four fire engines from Whitehaven, Seascale and Workington were called to Scotch Street in the town at around 1.35pm on Saturday and firefighters spent two hours tackling the blaze.
Two people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s fire investigators have determined the blaze was accidental and caused by the failure of an e-bike’s lithium-ion battery.
Angela Opie, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s group manager for prevention, said: “It’s incredibly concerning that we are continuing to see a rise in incidents involving e-scooters and e-bikes.
“When these batteries and chargers fail, they do so with ferocity and because the fires develop so rapidly the situation can quickly become incredibly serious.
“These items are often stored in communal areas and corridors and can block people’s only means of escape. Our advice is to try and store and charge these items in a safe location if possible, such as in a shed or garage, and if they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted and your means of escape is not obstructed.
“However we know this won’t be possible for everyone, so if you are charging them indoors, please follow our advice on using safe charging and ensure everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire. Make sure they are charged in a room where there is smoke detection and on a hard, flat surface.
“We would also suggest people try not to charge them when they are asleep, so that if there is an issue they can react quickly.”
An online fundraising appeal has been launched for the couple by their family. The gofundme page says: “Due to the house fire, they have lost their home and all the possessions they ever owned. From sentimental items to the clothes on their back.
“Their home is destroyed, and they will be unable to ever return to the property.
“Our brother-in-law remains in Newcastle hospital very poorly, and they have nowhere to live and nothing to begin to fill another home with.
“We are politely asking for any kind donations to get them back on track and equip themselves with the things they need to rehouse. Any donations, big or small, would be greatly appreciated by each and every one of us.”
