House Fire in West Hampstead Linked to E-Scooter Battery
Family Left Homeless and Grieving Following Fire Incident
A family of three has been rendered homeless after a fire engulfed their house in West Hampstead, London, on Monday, October 23, 2023. The blaze, which broke out around 10:30 AM on Barlow Road in the Camden borough, has been attributed to an e-scooter battery that reportedly caught fire while charging.
The occupants, Bernadette, 43, and her two children, Tyrone, 20, and Lashana, 16, were not at home when the fire started.
Tragically, the family's dog, Tuffy, who was a companion to Lashana, died in the incident.
Firefighters responded to the scene with eight fire engines and approximately 60 personnel to extinguish the flames.
Bernadette, reflecting on the tragedy, stated, "We have lost absolutely everything, but we have our lives." She and her daughter have been staying with a family friend while they seek temporary accommodation through Camden Council.
The family has reported losing significant personal belongings, including valuables and sentimental items.
Bernadette expressed concern for her daughter, who must now navigate her upcoming GCSE exams without her personal space and belongings, including art projects essential for her studies.
In the aftermath of the fire, a GoFundMe page has been established for the family, raising over £1,100 to assist them in their recovery.
Bernadette described the event as traumatic, particularly recalling her attempts to revive her dog, Tuffy.
The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning regarding the increasing risk associated with e-scooters and e-bikes, reporting 171 incidents related to electric battery fires in 2022—an average of one every other day.
Just hours after the fire at Bernadette's home, another incident occurred in Feltham due to a battery pack igniting in a second-hand e-bike, emphasizing the growing safety concerns surrounding these devices.
Bernadette added that she and her daughter owned an e-scooter, which had been purchased only three months prior.
She voiced concerns about the lack of safety information provided to consumers regarding e-scooter usage and charging practices, stating, "In the shops they don’t give you much information.
They just tell you to wear a helmet and to be safe."
Following the incident, Bernadette expressed her intent to avoid e-scooters in the future, highlighting the psychological impact the fire has had on her and her family.
Her stepfather Mike remarked on the emotional toll the fire has taken, noting that the loss of their home and dog has left the family in a state of shock and devastation.
The occupants, Bernadette, 43, and her two children, Tyrone, 20, and Lashana, 16, were not at home when the fire started.
Tragically, the family's dog, Tuffy, who was a companion to Lashana, died in the incident.
Firefighters responded to the scene with eight fire engines and approximately 60 personnel to extinguish the flames.
Bernadette, reflecting on the tragedy, stated, "We have lost absolutely everything, but we have our lives." She and her daughter have been staying with a family friend while they seek temporary accommodation through Camden Council.
The family has reported losing significant personal belongings, including valuables and sentimental items.
Bernadette expressed concern for her daughter, who must now navigate her upcoming GCSE exams without her personal space and belongings, including art projects essential for her studies.
In the aftermath of the fire, a GoFundMe page has been established for the family, raising over £1,100 to assist them in their recovery.
Bernadette described the event as traumatic, particularly recalling her attempts to revive her dog, Tuffy.
The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning regarding the increasing risk associated with e-scooters and e-bikes, reporting 171 incidents related to electric battery fires in 2022—an average of one every other day.
Just hours after the fire at Bernadette's home, another incident occurred in Feltham due to a battery pack igniting in a second-hand e-bike, emphasizing the growing safety concerns surrounding these devices.
Bernadette added that she and her daughter owned an e-scooter, which had been purchased only three months prior.
She voiced concerns about the lack of safety information provided to consumers regarding e-scooter usage and charging practices, stating, "In the shops they don’t give you much information.
They just tell you to wear a helmet and to be safe."
Following the incident, Bernadette expressed her intent to avoid e-scooters in the future, highlighting the psychological impact the fire has had on her and her family.
Her stepfather Mike remarked on the emotional toll the fire has taken, noting that the loss of their home and dog has left the family in a state of shock and devastation.
