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A fire that tore through a family’s home just days before Christmas was caused by a battery on a charging second-hand converted e-bike that exploded. Our Control Officers received 23 calls about the fire in Catford, South East London, which damaged most of the first floor and destroyed the loft conversion, with the first call coming in at 0731 and the fire under control by 0939. The fire is yet another example of the catastrophic consequences that can occur if e-bikes and e-scooters are not charged or stored safely. This footage from a doorbell camera at a neighbour’s home shows just how quickly the property became engulfed in fire. Three people were inside the house when the e-bike battery burst into flames on the first floor. One person was able to escape unharmed through the front door, but two others, who were in the loft, found their exit blocked by fire. With the room becoming consumed by toxic smoke, they had no choice but to climb to through a skylight window and onto the pitched roof. Unfortunately, one of the occupants fell from the roof, and was discovered by firefighters in the garden upon arrival. He has sustained serious injuries, though they are not currently life-changing. Meanwhile, a woman was still on the roof when the first of eight firefighting crews arrived. A nine-metre ladder was quickly set up and a firefighter climbed to rescue her. The woman on the roof slipped but was fortunately caught by the quick actions of the firefighter, preventing her from falling to the ground. A huge well done to the firefighter for their quick actions. Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Richard Field, said: “E-bikes are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks, with a fire on average once every other day. The stark reality is that some of these vehicles are proving to be incredibly dangerous and are at greater risk of malfunctioning, particularly if they’ve been modified, fitted or converted with second-hand products or if the batteries are used with the incorrect chargers.” “If you’re planning on buying an e-bike or e-scooter for yourself or a loved one for Christmas and you see an offer online that seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gnNwYwfD