London Fire Brigade: Urgent warning after London homes gutted and two dogs killed less than 24 hours apart in e-bike and e-scooter fires

 From London Fire Brigade

Two London homes have been destroyed in separate fires involving an e-bike and e-scooter less than 24 hours apart.

The first fire happened at around 10.30am on Monday (3 February) when the battery on a charging e-scooter burst into flames at a house on Barlow Road in West Hampstead. The fire quickly spread across the ground floor and up the stairs and eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters were dispatched to put out the blaze. Thankfully no one was hurt but a dog was sadly later found dead inside the property.

 

Then on Monday night, at around 2.35am (4 February), the battery pack on a second-hand converted e-bike at a house on Bridlepath Way in Feltham caught alight. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were sent to the scene but the fire had already spread through much of the property once firefighters arrived. Four people left the house before firefighters arrived, including one via a window, with two of the occupants taken to hospital. Meanwhile, crews were able to rescue two dogs trapped in a room. A third dog that was inside the property was sadly discovered deceased.

 

Both fires are believed to have been caused by the catastrophic failures of lithium batteries for an e-scooter and e-bike. The incidents are yet another example of why the Brigade has been running its #ChargeSafe campaign, with e-bikes and e-scooters becoming one of the capital’s fastest-growing fire risks.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Prevention and Protection, Richard Field, said: “It cannot be underestimated the level of destruction each of these fires have caused with both homes completely damaged by fire and smoke.

“It’s extremely fortunate that no people have been seriously hurt but a dog was sadly found dead at the scene of each fire.

“Both of these fires were caused by catastrophic battery failures. When these batteries fail, they can cause ferocious fires, and the consequences can be devastating. We urge people who own these devices to follow the safety advice that will help to protect those around them and their properties."

 

 

The e-bike at the house in Feltham had been converted from a normal pedal cycle and been purchased second-hand. It was on charge in the living room and a generic charger was in use.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Field continued: “E-bikes and e-scooters are a green and sustainable way to travel around our city. However, they can pose a significant fire risk, if not properly cared for, this is particularly true for the batteries used to power them which have become one of London's fastest-growing fire risks.

“From our investigations, we know many of the fires we’ve attended have involved second-hand vehicles or a bike that was been modified using parts bought online. At this time, there is not the same level of regulation of products for e-bikes and e-scooters sold via online marketplaces or auction sites when compared to high street shops, so we can’t be confident that products meet the correct safety standard. We understand that people are trying to save money, but if you spot a deal that looks too be good to be true, it probably is.

 

In 2024, London Fire Brigade recorded 142 fires involving e-bikes along with 29 e-scooters. This means that on average, there was an e-bike or e-scooter fire once every other day.

Three people have died in fires caused by e-bike battery failures in London since 2023 and more than 100 people have been hurt.

Safety tips for e-bike and e-scooter users to follow  

• Never block your escape route with anything, including e-bikes and e-scooters. Store them somewhere away from a main through route. Our advice is to store these items in a safe external location if possible, such as a garage or a shed. 
• Always use the correct charger and buy an official one from a reputable seller. 
• Do not attempt to modify or tamper with your battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  
• Converting pedal bikes into e-bikes using DIY kits bought online can be very dangerous. They pose a higher risk of fire. Get a professional to carry out the conversion and make sure to buy a battery from a reputable seller and that it is not second-hand.  
• Check your battery and charger meets UK safety standards.  We have particular concern where batteries have been purchased from online marketplaces and when they've been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.  
• Watch out for signs that the battery or charger aren’t working as they should – e.g. if the battery is hot to the touch or has changed shape.  
• Let the battery cool before charging. Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure if overheated. If you are charging batteries indoors, please follow our advice on safe charging. 
• Unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.
• Fit alarms where you charge. Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly. You can quickly and easily check your home by visiting our free online home fire safety checker tool

 

'We rescued a dozen people from the Kilburn Job Centre fire.' claim locals. Premises still wide open to intruders.

 

A gaping hole in the Job Centre wall at 4.30pm today

 

I went to  site of the fire at the disused Kilburn Job Centre this afternoon and found the Cambridge Avenue side of the building open to the elements - and any intruders. It was burnt out except for a table and the twisted metal guards that had been torn down.

A security guard hung around while I was taking photographs and I was approached by an onlooker, Jamie.

Jamie told me that he and his friends Ezra and DJ had seen the building was on fire and rushed in to get people out. He had given their names to a newspaper reporter but their account had not been published:

'We didn't stop to think we just ran ino the building. There were six people on the ground floor, four on the first floor, and two at the top.  They didn't hang around, they just scarpered, because it's arson isn't it?  By the time the para medics came they were mostly gone.

My throat hurt from the smoke. My mate told me that I should have got a wet towel and wrapped it around my face but we acted on impulse -  I wasn't going to waste time my searching for a towel and water, was I?'

The hole is just yards from the bus stop and passengers stopped to look when they alighted. It is quite a sight:

At the back of the building, in Coventry Close, it appears that work has been done to keep out intruders and squatters, although doesn't make much sense when Cambridge Avenue is wide open. Perhaps the contractor did not know about the other entrance...

 

Attempts at securing the building

Abandoned belongings indicate a hasty exit

The side of the building (above) looks less secure as does what appears to be a first floor balcony (below)

 

Having  escaped what could have been fatalities in the fire, though not responsible for the building, I understand that Brent Council is now contacting the owners with more energy than hitherto. They had been warned several times by residents over many years.

I hope the Council thanks Jamie, Ezra and DJ.

Two sides of Brent as community mount a fire rescue and a woman dies in a shooting

 It was a real mixed 'Brent weekend' with the community coming  together to save people from a serious fire in Willesden LINK and the dreadful news of a female dying in a fatal shooting in Harlesden LINK. Our thanks go out to the life savers in Willesden and our sympathy to the family and friends of the Harlesden victim.

My thanks to Michael Roberts of the Michael Styles hair salon in High Road, Willesden for permission to publish the videos he posted on Next Door and other social media:  first hand account of the rescue and the struggle to get help for a hearing impaired man in the aftermath.

 

Michael Roberts has set up a Funding page for Albert to help him get back on his feet.

Public, police and fire brigade mount rescue at Willesden High Road shop fire

Credit: Metropolitan Police

From Metropolitan Police

The bravery of two police officers, along with members of the public, has been lauded after they entered a burning building in Willesden High Road  to rescue occupants who were inside.

The incident unfolded at around 13:10hrs on Friday, 13 December after emergency services were called to reports of a fire in a three-storey building on High Road , NW10.

Officers were quickly on scene and immediately recognised the dangerous situation unfolding in front of them with smoke billowing from windows and reports of people still inside a flat on the first floor.

Two officers, along with members of the public, entered the building and made their way up to the first floor. They directed residents out of the building but were alerted to a man who was trapped in an upstairs flat. Utilising a ladder located in a courtyard area at the back of the building, a member of the public managed to break a window and help the man escape.

Thankfully no-one was seriously injured although three residents and one of the officers, who is aged in his 20s, were taken to hospital for treatment due to the effects of smoke inhalation. One officer remains in hospital and all are expected to make a full recovery.

The officers are being supported following the ordeal.

Commander Paul Trevers said: 

 

The actions of these officers exemplifies the qualities that runs through the core of our officers in the Met police – bravery, tenacity and above all a desire to keep the public safe when faced with danger.

Confronted with a terrifying situation and knowing that people were at risk they did not hesitate in going into that building to protect the lives of others. I am immensely proud of their actions as I’m sure all Londoners will be.

I would also like to praise the courage of the members of the public who, alongside our officers, helped ensure the safety of those inside the building.

 

Credit: London Fire Brigade

From London Fire Brigade

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters tackled a fire at a shop with flats above on Willesden High Road. 

Part of the ground floor and a small part of the ceiling void between the ground and first floors were alight. Firefighters rescued two people from a roof using a short extension ladder. Five further people left the property before the Brigade arrived and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladder was used at the scene as an observation platform. 

Station Commander Chucks Abili, who was at the scene, said: 

Crews worked hard to access the voids and bring the fire under control.

The fire was producing heavy smoke, so we advised local residents keep their windows and doors closed.

Willesden High Road was closed between Bertie Road and Hawthorn Road and we encouraged people to avoid the area during the afternoon, particularly as rush hour approached.

The Brigade's Control Officers took the first of eight calls to the fire at 1308 and mobilised crews from West Hampstead, Park Royal, North Kensington, Kentish Town and Wembley fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 1521.

 

Octavia Housing update on Wembley fire at Petworth Court, Elm Road

 On Monday 29 January 2024, a fire broke out at Petworth Court on Elm Road, Wembley. The London Fire Brigade attended quickly and the fire was extinguished in the early hours of Tuesday 30 January 2024. All residents at Petworth Court were evacuated safely and we are glad that no injuries have been reported. The surrounding blocks were also evacuated.

The Fire Brigade is currently investigating the cause of the fire and we will continue to work with them during their investigation.

Fire safety at Petworth Court

The safety of our residents is our number one priority. Since 2020, Petworth Court, and the surrounding blocks, have had robust safety measures in place in the event of a fire. These measures include a fire marshall who patrols the blocks regularly, upgraded fire alarms and CCTV. We are pleased that these measures worked effectively, ensuring that alarms were raised quickly and all residents were evacuated safely.

Supporting our residents

Octavia staff have been on site with Brent Council’s Emergency Response team since the fire broke out, to support residents that have been affected. All evacuated residents were provided with emergency accommodation where needed and financial support has been offered to those who need to buy essential items and food. We have continued to contact all residents to check on their wellbeing.

Following safety checks by the Fire Brigade and Octavia, residents of Goodwood Court, Sandringham Court and Kensington Court should be able to return home within the next few days. We will continue to support these residents should they have any questions or concerns.

Residents at Petworth Court, Woburn Court and Hatfield Court, will continue to be updated, and supported with alternative accommodation and access to services, wellbeing support and essential items until they are able to return to their home safely.

We understand this is a difficult time for residents. Any resident who would like to speak to us should contact us on 020 8354 5500 or contact their Housing Lead:

'No working fire alarms' at 21 storey Wembley Park tower block that caught fire at the weekend

 There was a fire in a 21 storey block in Wembley Park at the weekend, not far from Wembbley Stadium. It is very concerning that the block had no working fire alarms.

 

 London Fire Bridge Press Release

 Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a fire at a block of flats on Fulton Road in Wembley.

A small part of a first floor flat in a 21 storey building was destroyed by fire.

 

Fire investigators found the property didn't have working smoke alarms and the fire was most likely caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. 

 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said:

 

This incident shows just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms.  It's also a timely reminder for smokers to ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it. If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.

 

 

Smoking safety top tips

• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.

 

The Brigade was called at 1805 and the fire was under control by 2034. Fire crews from Wembley, Park Royal and Stanmore fire stations were in attendance.

 

A spokesperson for Quintain Ltd  said:

I can confirm this was not a Quintain building, nor is it managed by Quintain Living.

This fire came after one in South Kilburn on Friday  which again had no working fire alarms:

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a maisonette on Stafford Road in Kilburn.

The whole of the fourth floor of a split level maisonette was destroyed by fire. 

Fire investigators found the property didn't have working smoke alarms and the fire was most likely caused by the unsafe disposal of smoking materials. 

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said

This incident shows just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms.  

It's also a timely reminder for smokers to ensure your cigarette is completely out when you’ve finished smoking it.

If you don’t, you risk causing a fire which could not only destroy your home, but also cost you your life.

Smoking safety top tips

• It's safer to smoke outside, but make sure cigarettes are put right out and disposed of properly.
• Never smoke in bed, and avoid smoking on arm chairs and sofas – especially if you think you might fall asleep.
• Take extra care when you’re tired, taking prescription drugs or if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Use proper ashtrays, which can’t tip over and stub cigarettes out properly.

The Brigade was called at 2118 and the incident was over by 2246. Fire crews from Paddington, North Kensington, West Hampstead and Kentish Town fire stations were in attendance.

Tinder box danger exposed by vegetation fire on Barn Hill. Fire chief backs ban on disposable barbecues.

 

Tree damage by fire

 The proximity of the fire to garden fence

Charred tree trunks
 

Timely action by the Fire Brigade prevented a vegetation fire on Barn Hill from spreading to the garden fence of a nearby property. The fire was during the recent hot period a day before the 'Extreme Heat' warning days.

The family at the property were out at the time but fortunately  the alarm was raised by neighbours preventing any serious damage.

Wembley Matters asked the Brent Fire Brigade for any information they have on the cause of the fire. It has been suggested that wood had been dumped on the site in addition to fallen trees.

The London Fire Brigade responded:

 

Our fire investigators wouldn’t be sent to a small fire like this so we don’t have any details on the cause.

 

Firefighters were called to bushes and trees alight on Barn Hill in Wembley on 18 July.

 

The Brigade was called at 1954 and the fire was under control by 2018. One fire engine from Willesden Fire Station attended the scene.

 

The fire highlights the potential for serious outbreaks on Barn Hill and Fryent Country Park given the extremely dry vegetation.  Warnings have been issued on social media about the danger of dumped fuel from disposable barbecues igniting grass.  

 

 

The London Fire Commisioner has highlighted the need for the banning of  disposable barbecues and issued this statement:

London’s Fire Commissioner is calling for a total ban on disposable barbecues following one of the busiest weeks in our history.

The call comes ahead of a possible second summer heatwave and an unprecedented number of large grassland fires London’s firefighters worked in tough conditions to tackle last week. New statistics show that week commencing Monday, 18 July the Brigade received 8,302 calls and attended 3,231 incidents. In addition:

• Firefighters attended more than 1,000 fires.
• The number of 999 calls received was more than double taken for the same period last year.
• Thirty-four grass fires required an attendance of four fire engine and above.

Significant fire risk

Disposable barbecues pose a significant fire risk if they are not put out properly, causing grass fires in open spaces and scorching the grassed areas. The dry spell has left grassland like a tinderbox and increases the chances of a fire caused by a disposable barbecue

We are also reiterating that people should not barbecue on balconies and during this exceptional dry spell Londoners should not have any barbecues or open fires in parks and public spaces.

London’s Fire Commissioner Andy Roe has already written to local authorities asking for a temporary ban on the use of barbecues in all public parks and open spaces. We're very grateful to councils which put bans in public places but now feels disposable barbecues need to be taken off the shelves needed to help prevent widespread blazes like last Tuesday.

Retailers, including Waitrose and Aldi, have announced they will no longer stock disposable barbecues because of the detrimental impact they have on the environment and wildlife.

Back ban petition 

Disposable barbecues also pose a health risk and heat can be retained for many hours after a barbeque has been put out. The Brigade is backing a petition set up by Toby Tyler whose son Will was severely burned by a disposable barbecue. The petition can be found here https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/618664.

Commissioner Roe said: “Despite our grass fire warnings, we’ve still seen some people behaving carelessly and recklessly. On Saturday (23^rd July) firefighters prevented a serious blaze at Wanstead Flats caused using a disposable barbecue. We need urgent action now to see a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. They can be bought for as little as five pounds and can cause untold damage, especially when the grass is as dry as it has been over the last few weeks.

“Last week is another example of how we are increasingly being challenged by new extremes of weather as our climate changes and we’re developing long-term strategies to deal with more incidents like this in the future.”

Grass fire prevention tips: 

• Don’t drop cigarettes or anything that is burning on dry ground. 
• Don’t drop cigarettes out of car windows - they may land on dry grass by the roadside.  
• Don’t have barbecues in parks and public spaces.
• Do not barbecue on balconies, the wind may carry smouldering ash towards nearby grassland.  
• Be aware that children, animals, balls or anything else may knock over barbecues, increasing the risk of grass fires, especially when in a busy parks or public spaces. 

 

Wembley Fire - 50 people evacuated before Fire Brigade arrived

 From London Fire Brigade

 

Twelve fire engines and around 80 firefighters tackled a fire on The Broadway in Wembley.

Half of the ground floor of a shop with flats above was alight. Part of the ground floor of a neighbouring shop was also alight, along with outbuildings at the rear of the properties. Around 50 people were evacuated before the Brigade arrived.

Seventeen gas cylinders were cooled and removed as a precaution as some can explode when exposed to heat.

The Brigade's 999 Control Officers took more than 40 calls to the blaze.

The Brigade was called at 1409 and the fire was under control by 1823. Fire crews from Ealing, Wandsworth, Poplar, Mill Hill, Tooting and surrounding fire stations attended the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Wembley High Road/Ealing Road closure after fire - AVOID AREA

 From Brent Police

 Please be aware there are road closures in WEMBLEY HIGH ROAD / EALING ROAD due to a fire, there are no serious casualties, road closures will likely be in place till 7PM tonight while we make the area safe, please avoid the area as there will be an increase of traffic.

 

How many disabled people are living in fear in Brent's high rises after Grenfell?

As the number of high rises proliferate throughout Brent and the cladding issue in many tower blocks unresolved, even as the horrors of Grenfell are relived through the current Inquiry, it is worth thinking about the situation of people with a disability in such buildings.

The London Fire Brigade has said that disabled people should not be placed in any accommodation above the 4th floor. One of the fatalities at Grenfell was a woman who had been told by Kensington and Chelsea Council that she would not be housed above the 4th floor, but tragically, she was.

A disabled pensioner in a Brent Council block has approached Wembley Matters to tell us about his situation. 

Since Grenfell he has asked the council to rehouse him on a lower floor and in response they have asked him why he accepted a flat in a South Kilburn high rise above the 4th floor way back in April, 1993.

They have also lost the record of the PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan) that he had sent them and demanded proof that he was disabled despite the council's own OT team assessing him last year and installing a wet room and sit down shower as a result. He thinks that this action, in itself, is proof of his mobility needs.

He remarked that the council had found homes for nearly 900 students but had told him that they had no spare home to offer him. A different case of course, and a private provider,  but it clearly rankles.

The resident could see Grenfell from his tower block his tower block as he wrote his email to Wembley Matters and reflected that there had been two fires in his block during his tenancy and he had not known about them until he smelt the smoke. His neighbours and fire officers had shouted warnings to leave the building but he had not heard them because of the hearing impairment he has on top of his mobility problem.

He asks how many other disabled people are living in fear of fire in Brent's high rises in the shadow of the Grenfell disaster?

A good question, deserving of an answer.

Unite to replace cladding on Olympic Way student building

Following local rumours concerning the cladding on the huge Unite student building on Wembley's Olympic Way, Unite have issued the following statement to Wembley Matters:

In line with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government’s (MHCLG) high-rise building cladding testing regime conducted with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), Unite Students has been working closely with independent fire safety and engineering experts to ensure our buildings are as safe as possible for our students and employees.

Following extensive investigations by these experts, we have taken the decision to replace the exterior cladding on our Olympic Way property in Wembley, London. The building will be closed over the summer holidays while this work takes place, limiting the impact on our students, and the building will reopen in time for the start of the 2018/19 academic year.

Given the numerous fire safety systems and comprehensive fire strategy we have in place for this building, as with all of our properties nationwide, independent fire safety experts have confirmed that Olympic Way continues to be safe for occupation until the works are complete.

The safety of our students and our properties is of the utmost importance to us and we take our responsibilities very seriously. We have closely followed MHCLG advice, and believe replacing the cladding on Olympic Way is the most responsible thing to do for our customers in the long term.

In August last year, in the wake of the Grenfell fire, the Kilburn Times LINK reported a Brent Council letter to councillors in which they said that wall system of the building  in BRE tests was shown as inadequate to resist the spread of fire.

Unite say that they have moved many of their summer bookings to other properties and have been working closely with their university partners on the issue. They were unable to comment on who would be responsible for paying for the cladding removal. In July last year Unite said the cost of replacing cladding on six of its building could be £2m plus up to £1.5m in lost revenue. LINK

The 475 bed building cost £47m in a venture funded by the London Student Accommodation Vehicle, 50% owned by Unite and 50% by the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation.

A spokesperson for Middlesex University, whose students use the accommodation, echoed Unite's statement and said, “The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us and we take our responsibilities very seriously. We are fully supportive of Unite Students’ decision to replace the cladding on Olympic Way.”

Elsewhere on the Wembley regeneration site Forum House is having cladding replaced LINK. It is clearly a matter of concern that at least two buildings in the extensive new build have issues over cladding.

Elizabeth House residents told to Evacuate rather than Stay Put in the event of fire

Octavia Housing have updated residents in Elizabeth House, Wembley, on fire precautions at their building.

The most important change, especially in the light of Grenfell, is that they should evacuate in the event of a fire rather than stay put:

CURRENT SITUATION – A CHANGE IN EVACUATION POLICY

On Wednesday 11 October the Fire Brigade visited the building because they have recently reviewed their national approach to buildings that have Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding.

They asked for an updated Fire Risk Assessment in light of their new guidance and we are in the process of collecting the information they now need but in the meantime, as a short term measure, the fire evacuation policy has been changed.

In the event of a fire, residents should leave the building immediately. This is a change from the Stay Put policy that was in place.

While we have been told that this may only be a temporary change, we have visited Elizabeth House to speak to residents and you will have seen letters and posters informing you about this change. We have also increased the numbers of 24/7 fire watch wardens in place. The cost of these additional measures will not be passed on to residents. We are also looking at longer term solutions which may include increased CCTV.

We want to reassure you that we will continue to act upon all advice from the London Fire Brigade or our experts and we will keep you informed.

CLADDING WORKS UPDATE

An approach to replacing the cladding has been agreed with the contractor.

The replacement system needs to be tested in full by the Building Research Establishment (who have been responsible for doing the testing of cladding that has been going on all over the UK over the last few months) before we can start the job of replacing cladding over all the building.

There are a lot of buildings that are affected all over the UK and so there is a wait for tests but in the meantime, we can start a small pilot project to replace cladding at ground floor level and on the communal terraces situated on the ground, 2nd and 10th floors. This will speed up the process for works on the rest of the building when we get the necessary approvals.

Preparation work will be happening from October 2017 to do further tests. We plan to start pilot works in January 2018 and we expect that the rest of the works will start in May/June 2018. These dates may change depending on how quickly the required tests can be done.

VISITS TO PROPERTIES

Following advice received from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) we need to visit every property in Elizabeth House and carry out an inspection. This will enable us to:

•   Check resident’s’ ability to evacuate the building independently so that we can inform the Fire Brigade if anyone will need extra assistance. 


•   Check balconies and flat entrance doors to ensure they are safe and free from fire hazards and flammable materials 


•   Ensure all residents know how to check their smoke and heat alarms
These visits will begin the week commencing 16 October and will take between 15-30 
minutes. 
If you would like us to visit you at a particular time, please let us know by emailing enquiries@octavia.org.uk or calling our Customer Contact Team on 020 8354 5500. In order to manage the visits, please let us know by 5pm on Friday 20 October. 
It is vital that we are able to gain access to your property to carry out these important checks. 
If you are not at home when we visit and would prefer to arrange a convenient time for us to visit again, please contact our Customer Contact Team on 020 8354 5500 or enquiries@octavia.org.uk.