Lithium Batteries Blamed For Pedicab Building Fire
In late September 2024, multiple fire crews responded to a major blaze at a pedicab storage unit and workshop in Southwark, London. The fire is believed to have been triggered by the catastrophic failure of multiple lithium batteries. London Fire Brigade (LFB) received 21 calls about the fire on Union Street and deployed six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters, with crews from Dowgate, Dockhead, Whitechapel, and nearby stations attending.
Before the firefighters arrived, one individual reportedly jumped from the first floor of the building and was transported to the hospital by the London Ambulance Service. Two others evacuated the property independently. LFB later confirmed that the fire completely destroyed the ground floor, which housed pedicab repair and storage, while the first floor sustained significant heat and smoke damage.
LFB confirmed that “the most likely cause of the fire is the catastrophic failure of multiple lithium batteries.” The Brigade has since issued further warnings about the dangers of faulty lithium batteries. They emphasised that “overheating, crushing, penetrating, or overcharging can lead to faults in damaged battery cells, causing fires or explosions. These fires are extremely intense, shooting out jets of flame and proving difficult to extinguish. People should never attempt to put out a lithium battery fire themselves but should evacuate immediately.”
This is the second fire at this location, following a previous incident in 2022. Lithium-ion batteries, particularly those used in second-hand or modified e-bikes and e-scooters, have come under growing scrutiny due to their fire hazards. The London Fire Brigade issued a warning, advising the public to exercise caution with these batteries and emphasising the risks posed by improper maintenance or tampering.
An LFB spokesperson added, “Personal electric vehicles like pedicabs, e-bikes, and e-scooters are popular and eco-friendly options for getting around London. However, e-bikes and e-scooters, in particular, have become one of the city’s fastest-growing fire hazards, prompting the London Fire Brigade’s #ChargeSafe campaign.”
The spokesperson also noted that many fires the Brigade has investigated involved second-hand or modified vehicles, with parts purchased online. “It’s crucial that any conversions are carried out by a professional or a competent person, and that conversion kits, batteries, and chargers are bought from reputable sellers. Currently, products sold online or via auction sites are not regulated to the same standard as those in high street shops, increasing the risk of malfunction.”
A lithium-ion or Li-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that uses the reversible intercalation of Li+ ions into electronically conducting solids to store energy. In comparison with other commercial rechargeable batteries, Li-ion batteries are characterised by higher specific energy, higher energy density, higher energy efficiency, a longer cycle life, and a longer calendar life.
Lithium-ion batteries can be a safety hazard since they contain a flammable electrolyte and may become pressurised if they become damaged. A battery cell charged too quickly could cause a short circuit, leading to overheating, explosions, and fires. A Li-ion battery fire can be started due to thermal abuse (poor cooling or external fire), electrical abuse (overcharge or external short circuit), mechanical abuse (penetration or crash), or internal short circuit, (due to manufacturing flaws or aging).
The rise in usage of battery powered devices across all aspects of live, business and commercial activities would see these elements forming part of any fire risk assessment process. Call SS Systems for a discussion on fire safety related aspects to prevent loss of life, property and loss of assets.
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