FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning about e-bike charging after flames swept through a block of flats in Hillrise Road on Saturday.

Two people were taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation whilst the flat where the fire started was destroyed.

The London Fire Brigade believe that the incident was caused by an e-scooter that was on charge at the time.

They said that failures of the lithium-ion batteries, which are sometimes purchased online and do not meet UK safety standards, have become a common cause of fire. In 2025, the brigade attended 200 e-bike and e-scooter fires.

A spokesperson said: “It is vital that you do not store or charge the device on an escape route such as a hallway. Firefighters have attended incidents where people have had to jump from windows or be rescued because their escape route has been blocked by fire or smoke. If it is not possible to keep the device outside or in a shed or garage, make sure it is in a room where you can shut the door and contain a fire.”