A fire that broke out in a block of flats in Plaistow, east London on 21 October was caused by the failure of a lithium battery, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has confirmed.
News
East London flat fire caused by lithium battery, says London Fire Brigade
By
on 22 October 2024
The fire started in a flat on the 10th floor of a 15-floor building on Queens Road West in Plaistow just after 8am on 21 October. The interior and balcony of the flat were destroyed and balconies on the four floors above the flat were heavily damaged.
Photograph: London Fire Brigade
About 30 people were evacuated from the building and two of the three men who left the affected flat before firefighters arrived were treated at the scene by the London Ambulance Service, said LFB. Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters responded to the incident, and the fire was brought under control by just after 9am.
LFB said the fire is believed to have started accidentally, caused by the failure of a lithium battery. To reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries, LFB recommends always charging them on a hard, flat surface; allowing them to cool down before attempting to recharge; not exposing them to extremes of temperature; and looking out for warning signs that a battery might be failing.
Fires involving lithium batteries are on the rise. Research published earlier this year by business insurer QBE showed that the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in the UK increased by 46 per cent in 2023, compared with the previous year.
Just last month, a London refuse worker narrowly missed injury when a bin he had loaded on to a lorry exploded after combustible items including batteries had been wrongly placed inside.
In February, British Safety Council published an introductory guide for employers on managing the risks from lithium-ion batteries, recognising the challenges posed by the storage and charging of lithium-powered e-bikes and e-scooters in the workplace.
NEWS
Tourette’s: why it’s time to end the stigma and discrimination at work
By Belinda Liversedge on 13 May 2025
People with Tourette syndrome often face barriers to employment and are subject to stigma and even ridicule due to misunderstanding about the condition's symptoms. However, employers can make a real difference towards supporting people with Tourette's to enter and thrive at work, starting with creating a culture of understanding and inclusion among work teams, explains Ione Georgakis from the charity Tourettes Action.
British Safety Council roundtable explores future of workplace wellbeing
By Belinda Liversedge on 12 May 2025
Last week (8 May) British Safety Council brought together leading voices from the health, safety and wellbeing sectors to explore the future of workplace wellbeing.
Gardening as good as some therapies for mental health, indicates national study
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 May 2025
Gardening and ‘outdoor mindfulness’ can improve mild to moderate mental health conditions in as little as 12 weeks, according to the findings of a government-backed programme known as green social prescribing.