Two rescued from flat following battery fire

Firefighters have rescued two people from a flat following a fire believed to have been started by a lithium-ion battery.

We were called at 4.40pm yesterday (Sunday 28 December) to Wessex Court, Sunny Bank in Middleport, Stoke-on-Trent, following reports of a flat fire.

Three crews attended the scene and found a fire in a hallway.

Two people were assisted out of a property and treated for suspected smoke inhalation.

Crews used two breathing apparatus and a hose-reel jet to put out the fire.

The fire was later deemed to have started accidentally, as a result of a lithium-ion battery.

Crews left the property at 6.30pm after handing over to colleagues from Staffordshire Police to secure the premises.

It is important when charging batteries you do so safely to avoid a risk of a fire starting and putting your family and home at risk.

To make sure you protect your loved ones from fires in the home, we advise that you:

• Avoid storing or charging items on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape
• Store items and their batteries in a cool place
• Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product, and if you spot any signs of wear and tear or damage, buy an official replacement charger from a reputable seller

For more information on battery safety, see: Lithium-ion batteries.