FIREFIGHTERS have issued a stern warning after dealing with a tragic fire that destroyed a family home – caused by an e-scooter battery.
The blaze left the home in Accrington, Lancashire blackened and charred after the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene.
The fire had started in the early hours of the morning, after an e-scooter believed to be fitted with a cheap battery and sub-standard charger burst into flames as the unsuspecting residents slept.
Despite their best efforts, the home was engulfed in flames, leaving the residents homeless and their possessions razed to the ground.
The incident comes amid calls for e-scooters to be banned in the UK, after Paris became the first city in the world to ban the electric vehicles.
Terrifying images show a hallway scorched black and brown across the doors and walls.
Ash can be seen scattered across the floor and onto a burnt shoe rack littered with numerous pairs of destroyed shoes.
Propped against the shoe rack is the e-scooter – charred as black as the scorched shoe rack and seemingly inoperable.
An exploded battery can also be seen in a firefighter’s hand, ultimately being the cause of the disaster.
A further image shows a destroyed staircase, with its painted steps ruined by the horrific blaze, whilst the adjoining walls can be seen stripped bare as a result of the paint melting off.
The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service took to social media on Monday to warn others of the necessary safety precautions residents should take to avoid house fires.
They wrote: “This is the aftermath of an e-scooter fire we attended in Accrington this morning.
“Luckily, there were no injuries but the house cannot now be lived in without a complete refurbishment.
“Here is some advice to help you stay safe around lithium-ion batteries: Always use the charger supplied with the product, or at least buy a replacement from a reputable supplier.
“Not all chargers are the same, or compatible with your e-scooter, e-bike, or hoverboard.
“Beware of cheap, sub standard chargers for sale. Don’t charge your device on your escape route.
“Never leave your device on charge unattended, or on charge overnight. Follow the product’s charging instructions.
“Make sure that you have working smoke alarms.”
The post received hundreds of likes and comments from users left horrified by the devastation caused by the knock-off charger.
Tom Hartley wrote: “Looks like a fake CE mark on the charger – the E isn’t fully joined up – also a reminder to buy a reputable brand.”
Andrew Robertson commented: “Those things should be banned. They are a menace.”
Heather Ann Ainsworth said: “I hate the bloody things. They are dangerous – people are all over with them on roads [and] don’t care about road safety.”
Jay Mackenzie wrote: “…yet [they] continue to be sold, blame capitalism.”
