Lithium Battery Warning Issued after Acton Flat Fire
Man and a child taken to hospital after blaze on Maldon Road
Picture: London Fire Brigade
January 3, 2024
London Fire Brigade has reiterated its advice about lithium batteries after one is believed to have caused a fire in Acton.
A battery is being blamed for the blaze on the ground floor of a house converted into flats on Maldon Road on Thursday 28 December.
A man and a child left the flat before the brigade arrived having been called at 7.48pm. They were taken to hospital by ambulance.
25 firefighters and four fire engines tackled the fire including crews from Acton, North Kensington, Kensington and Richmond fire stations and they had it under control by 9.04pm.
The fire is being treated as accidental.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said, “Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries. If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire and/or explode.
“Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used, so it’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.
"You should also unplug your charger when you have finished using it and we would advise not to leave it unattended or charging while people are asleep.
“Try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.”
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