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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

NIFRS warning after blaze 'caused by e-bike charging overnight'

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning about the "alarming rise" in blazes caused by e-bike and e-scooter batteries.

They say they recently attended a fire in Belfast 'caused by an e-bike charging overnight', sharing images of the damage.

A NIFRS post on social media said: "You may have noticed there has been some news coverage lately following an alarming rise in the number of fires caused by e-bikes and e-scooters.

Read more: Popular NI business 'rises from the ashes' one year after devastating fire

Damage (Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service/Facebook)

"Many e-bikes and e-scooters use lithium-ion batteries which can catch fire quickly and with little warning.

"These pictures are from a recent fire we attended in Belfast caused by an e-bike battery which was charging overnight."

They recently attended the incident in Belfast (Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service/Facebook)

The Fire Service have give their top safety tips to help prevent e-bike and e-scooter battery fires:

  • "Buy from reputable retailers - many fires involve counterfeit electrical goods
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storing and handling your battery
  • Only use the original manufacturer’s charger
  • Never use charging strips or extension cords
  • Never leave them to charge unattended or overnight
  • Never leave plugged in when it is not charging
  • Avoid charging or storing in extreme temperatures
  • Handle with care – keep away from water
  • Do not modify or attempt to repair your battery."

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