E-bike battery on charge causes fire

Firefighters were called to a flat fire in Wellesley Road, Colchester at 3am. 

On arrival, crews reported a second floor flat was heavily smoke logged and worked to extinguish a fire in the kitchen. 

Crews believe the fire was caused by an e-bike battery on charge in the kitchen. 

Watch Manager Doc Holliday from Colchester Fire Station said: “This incident highlights the importance of charging e-bikes and e-scooters safely.

“Please use batteries and chargers that are recommended by the manufacturer, make sure chargers and batteries are in a good condition and please stay in the room while charging the batteries so you can keep an eye on them and if they're overheating."