World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Charging lithium-ion battery suspected in Leicestershire house fire
A lithium-ion battery charging in a kitchen is believed to have sparked a fire at a home on North Street in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, on Saturday, October 17.
Firefighters arrived shortly after 3 p.m.
and brought the blaze under control by 4:55 p.m.
The occupant escaped safely and no one was injured, but the property suffered extensive damage, especially in the kitchen.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in many electrical products, and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service says it is responding to more incidents involving them.
The service advises using the correct charger, charging batteries on a hard surface away from flammable materials, and not leaving them charging unattended or where they could block an exit.
If a battery becomes unusually hot, swells, smokes or gives off a strong smell, stop using it if safe; if it catches fire, leave the property and call 999.
A suspected electrical fault involving a lithium-ion battery being charged in a kitchen caused a house fire in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
The fire broke out on North Street on Saturday, October 17.
The occupant evacuated safely before crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.
The fire caused extensive damage to the property, particularly the kitchen.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service urged people to follow safety advice when charging and using lithium-ion batteries.
- Who
- The occupant of the house evacuated safely; Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded.
- What
- A house fire believed to have been caused by an electrical fault involving a charging lithium-ion battery caused extensive damage. No one was injured.
- When
- Saturday, October 17; crews attended at about 3:05 p.m.
- Where
- North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
- Why
- The fire service believes an electrical fault with a lithium-ion battery charging in the kitchen caused the fire.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fire crews attended the house fire on North Street in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
The fire was brought under control.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service issued safety advice about lithium-ion batteries.
- Location
- North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
- Date
- Saturday, October 17
- Crew response
- Four breathing apparatus wearers were committed to extinguish the fire
- Fire controlled
- 4:55 p.m.
- Injuries
- None reported
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What people are saying
These batteries are used in many electrical products, and if they are damaged, defective or charged incorrectly, they can become unsafe
We recommend only buying batteries, devices and chargers from reputable suppliers, using the correct charger for the product, avoiding charging batteries unattended, and never charging or storing products where they could block an escape route
The fire is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery being charged in the kitchen.