by Olivia Firth and Larissa Kirkby
Shocking images of a house blaze started by an e-bike battery have emerged just hours after South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue launched their campaign to promote awareness around lithium-ion batteries.
The ‘Charge Happy’ campaigned was launched after an increase in lithium-ion battery related fires as they try and encourage owners to source responsibly, and follow safety measures and advice.
The Fire and Rescue team were called out to a house fire on Ecclesall Road on Sunday at 11.30am, after seven e-bikes were all found being charged in the same room and one burst into flames.
Three people were taken to hospital after jumping from a first floor window, the other five residents were able to evacuate unharmed.
James Mould, 22, a student who lives next door to the house said: “One of my housemates noticed the smoke, he could smell it and then went up and got our housemates, and they went across the road. It was all ablaze.”
Another neighbour, Will Smyth, 22 said: “Someone from our house called the fire engine. I was in bed but everyone started shouting.”
The pictures of the fire were taken by Ross McCall, 22, manager of Champs Sports Bar and Grill, opposite.
He said the pub was closed at the time but he took the dramatic pictures which show the smoke was so thick you couldn’t see across the road.
The Fire and Rescue team want to use their campaign to promote safety tips to the people of South Yorkshire.
Ade Parkin, Group Manager at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “The people involved in these incidents are lucky to have escaped without serious injury.
“We know that e bikes and e scooters are growing in popularity and can be really beneficial in opening up cycling to people of all fitness levels, not to mention the obvious environmental benefits they bring in terms of reduced carbon emissions compared to other means of transport.
“That is why it is so important to only buy bikes from reputable supplier that show clearly that they meet UK/EU safety laws and only use the charger supplied with the battery.”
The reactivity of lithium-ion batteries have become a growing risk for South Yorkshire with 15 fires in 2023, almost double the amount of fires to the previous year.
