An e-scooter has caused a huge fire and damaged two homes in Eltham.

The blaze broke out at a property in Rochester Way on Saturday at around 4.15pm.

19 calls were made to the fire brigade's 999 officers about the fire.

Part of the ground and first floors and the external side of the semi-detached house and an adjoining house were damaged.

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Ten metres of garden fencing and a wooden storage unit were also damaged.

Four people left the homes before firefighters arrived.

Three were assessed on scene by ambulance crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and involved an e-scooter battery.

The fire was under control by 5.28pm.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Firefighters have issued another e-scooter battery warning after a house fire on Rochester Way in Eltham.

"Part of the ground and first floors and the external side of a semi-detached house and an adjoining house were damaged by fire.

"Ten metres of garden fencing and a wooden storage unit were also damaged by the blaze.

"Four people left the properties before the Brigade arrived and three were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

"The fire is believed to have been accidental and involved an e-scooter battery.

"The Brigade’s 999 Control Officers took 19 calls to the blaze.

"The Brigade was called at 1615 and the fire was under control by 1728.

"Fire crews from Lewisham, Plumstead, Sidcup and Old Kent Road fire stations attended the scene.

“Many of the fires we are seeing involve batteries which have been sourced on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards.

“We know that lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used, so it’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.

“Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells. You should also not expose them to extremes of temperature.

“You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions when charging and we would advise not to leave it unattended or while people are asleep.”

Firefighters' top safety tips

The Brigade’s advice is to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.

Batteries can get warm during their use and it is advisable to allow them to cool down before attempting to re-charge as they could be more susceptible to failure.

Batteries should always be charged on hard flat surfaces where heat can dissipate.

Batteries can also pose a risk if they have been damaged, so try to ensure they are not getting knocked around while in use or while being carried as spares as this can increase the chance of damage to cells.

You should always make sure you unplug your charger once it’s finished charging.

Ensure you have smoke alarms fitted in areas where e-bikes or e-scooters are being charged and make sure they are tested regularly.

Lastly, the Brigade’s advice is to never block your escape route with anything, including bikes and scooters.

Store them somewhere away from a main through route.

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