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Battery warning issued after house fire

Norfolk County Council A family home after a fire with debris strewn around the floor including clothing, shoes and the springs from a burnt mattress. The walls and radiator are blackened from the flames.Norfolk County Council
A home was severely damaged after a fire was started by a charging battery from a non-reputable source

A warning has been issued about the dangers of buying lithium-ion batteries from non-reputable sources following a house fire.

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk Trading Standards said the fire on Noot Alley in Bowthorpe, Norwich, last week was started when a charging battery caught ablaze.

Those living at the house got out by the time crews arrived, but the property was severely damaged.

Margaret Dewsbury, Conservative cabinet member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "You can reduce the risk of fires by checking batteries regularly and ensuring you only buy from reputable retailers so that products meet UK safety standards."

Damage to the roof and first-floor window of a small, two-storey semi-detached house. There is still some emergency services' tape on the back gate and some roof tiles are missing.
Emergency services were called to a terraced house on Noot Alley, Norwich, on 28 August

She added: "Look out for warning signs of problems, such as wear and tear, overheating, an unusual smell, unusual sounds or a battery or charger that is bulging out of its usual shape.

"If you see any of these signs, turn it off, unplug it and take it outside if it is safe to do so."

Trading Standards said staff were working with fire investigators and the householder to find out more about the retailer and exact battery and charger involved in the blaze.

Lithium-ion batteries are found in devices including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cigarettes and hoverboards.

"Unfortunately, this fire has started with a battery and had devastating consequences for the residents, as their home has been significantly damaged," said Emyr Gough, head of prevention at Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service.

The council added that batteries should not be placed in regular rubbish bins or recycling due to the risk of fire breaking out in bin lorries or at waste centres.

It has issued further tips on how to keep homes safe, including only charging batteries when you are at home and awake.

A Lithium-ion Battery Safety Bill, which looks to regulate the safe storage, use and disposal of such batteries, is due to go before the House of Lords on 6 September.

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