Vape battery failure causes flat fire in Woolwich

A fire caused by a failing lithium-ion vape battery damaged half of a three-bedroom flat on Woolwich Common on Tuesday afternoon. The London Fire Brigade was called to the incident at approximately 3:30pm. Control officers provided guidance to neighbouring properties before the brigade arrived.

Fire Brigade Response and Damage

Thirty-five firefighters, supported by five fire engineers, attended the scene. Crews from Plumstead, East Greenwich, and Eltham brought the fire under control by 4:24pm. The blaze affected half of a flat located on the third floor of the six-storey block.

Cause and Safety Advice

Brigade investigators concluded the fire was accidental, with a lithium-ion battery failure within a vape identified as the likely cause. Following the incident, the London Fire Brigade issued advice to Londoners regarding battery safety. This includes avoiding counterfeit chargers, not storing or charging batteries in extreme temperatures, and not leaving devices on charge continuously.

The brigade also stressed the importance of using correct chargers for devices and ensuring they are unplugged once charging is complete. They recommended protecting batteries from damage, such as punctures or immersion in water. The fire service also reminded residents to test their smoke alarms regularly.