Man in hospital after electric unicycle catches fire

A man is in hospital being treated for burns after a fire that was started by a lithium-ion unicycle that had been left charging overnight.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the blaze in a steel shed at the bottom of a garden in Sisley Avenue, Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of Monday.

Investigators said the fire could have been caused by one of "many reasons", including the fact the unicycle was faulty, had been tampered with and was left charging overnight and therefore "overcharged".

The fire service has issued a warning over the risk electrical items and lithium-ion batteries can pose if they are not used properly.

Station manager Richard Booth, who carried out the investigation, said: "Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to wish the gentleman a speedy recovery.

"This incident sadly shows how dangerous electrical items and lithium-ion batteries can be, if not used properly.

"Firstly, the unicycle was faulty and had been tampered with.

"This can cause short circuits, which generate excessive heat, meaning that there is a possibility it could have ignited nearby flammable materials."

He added: "The unicycle had also been left to charge overnight, and therefore overcharged - something we, as your fire and rescue service, do not recommend.

"Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, and if misused, can fail catastrophically.

"Batteries should never be left charging, especially when unattended, near combustibles, or in confined spaces.

"We ask that everyone who uses electrical items and lithium-ion batteries, use them correctly and safely."

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