London e-bike fire rescue highlights risks of hallway storage and charging

by Featured NewsIncidents

Inside the ladder rescue at Norbury’s late-night e-bike fire

London Fire Brigade (LFB) said a new firefighter helped rescue a family during an e-bike fire in Norbury, south London, in late October.

The fire started in a ground floor communal hallway on London Road and left people trapped in second-floor flats, according to LFB.

Firefighters from Norbury Fire Station arrived two minutes after the first 999 call and prepared for a ladder rescue, LFB said.

Firefighter Zekel Johnson, on his fourth day after completing training, was among the second crew on scene.

Johnson climbed a 13.5 metre ladder and helped three children from a second-floor window, LFB confirmed.

Four adults were also assisted down by ladder, and two further adults escaped via a rear window, LFB said.

LFB said nine people were assessed on scene by London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation and did not require hospital treatment.

First-hand accounts from the scene

Firefighter Zekel Johnson said: “When I arrived, a ladder had just been pitched by Norbury’s crew.

“It also allows us to coordinate better with neighbouring services.

“The officer in charge said someone needed to go up the ladder immediately and I did not hesitate.”

Naveen Narayanasankar, a resident, said: “I had just finished work and returned home and was eating dinner in the kitchen when suddenly we heard a blast from downstairs.

“I opened the door and there was a lot of smoke already.

“The people downstairs were telling us there was a fire.

“Everyone in the flat woke up but there was so much smoke, we couldn’t see or breathe properly.

“We called the fire brigade and went to the window for help where firefighters helped rescue us.”

Johnson later entered the property in breathing apparatus to assist with extinguishing, LFB said.

Cause identified and safety advice

Following an investigation, LFB said the most probable cause was the catastrophic failure of a lithium-ion battery pack for a manufactured e-bike.

LFB said the e-bike had been stored in the hallway and the battery pack had reportedly been charging shortly before the fire.

Assistant Commissioner for Fire Stations, Andy Pennick, said: “Because the e-bike was being stored in the hallway, it compromised the occupants’ ability to escape the building when the fire broke out.

“It is vital that e-bikes and e-scooters are stored appropriately, so that in the event of a fire, the risk of harm to those inside can be significantly reduced because their escape route is not blocked.”

LFB recommends storing e-bikes and e-scooters outside, or in a shed or outbuilding, and if stored indoors, in a room where a door can be shut.

LFB said lithium-ion battery fires can be ferocious and produce a flammable, explosive and toxic vapour cloud.

LFB warned against mismatched or counterfeit chargers or batteries and advised against leaving devices charging unattended.

LFB added that smoke alarms should be fitted in areas where devices are charged and that conversions should be carried out by a professional.

Training, performance and record incident numbers

Assistant Commissioner Pennick said: “The exceptional actions of our crews at this incident ensured swift rescues and limited fire spread.

“It is rare for a firefighter to attend an incident of this significance so quickly into their career and I’d like to commend Firefighter Johnson for his assured and calm response to rescue this family.

“Our rigorous and improved training programme ensures that newly-qualified firefighters are best-prepared to respond to real emergencies as soon as they start at their station.”

LFB reported that London recorded 181 e-bike and e-scooter fires by the end of October 2025.

LFB said this is already the highest total for a single year.

LFB said four people have died in these fires since 2023 and more than 100 people have been injured.

Incident timeline and response details

LFB said the Brigade was called at 23:48 on Tuesday 28 October to a mixed-use property on London Road, Norbury.

LFB said seven people were rescued from a second-floor window by a 13.5 metre ladder.

Two people escaped via a rear window, LFB added.

Part of the ground floor was damaged by fire and the incident was under control by 00:43, according to LFB.

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Norbury, West Norwood, Tooting and Croydon attended, LFB said.

Practical takeaways for operational leads and managers

The fire started in a communal hallway where an e-bike was stored and had reportedly been charging, which restricted escape routes for occupants.

LFB advises storing e-bikes and e-scooters outside or in an internal room that can be closed to contain a fire.

LFB instructs users to employ the correct, compatible charger and to avoid mismatched or counterfeit power components.

LFB recommends not charging unattended and unplugging chargers when the cycle is complete.

LFB says lithium-ion battery failures can produce an explosive and toxic vapour cloud, and crews reported unusually intense heat at this incident.

LFB advises installing smoke alarms in charging areas and checking for battery or charger faults such as heat or deformation.

London has recorded 181 e-bike and e-scooter fires by the end of October 2025, with four fatalities since 2023 and more than 100 injuries, according to LFB.

Passenger burned as power bank ignites in Melbourne Qantas lounge

by Featured NewsHealth and SafetyIncidentsSafety

Qantas reopens Melbourne lounge after power bank battery fire

Qantas said it temporarily closed its business class lounge at Melbourne airport after a power bank exploded in a passenger’s pocket.

The incident happened on Thursday morning (6 November) in the international terminal, The Guardian reported.

The man’s power bank overheated and ignited, burning his leg and fingers and filling the lounge with smoke.

About 150 people were evacuated as a precaution, Qantas said.

The passenger was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital for further assessment.

Airline confirms lounge has since reopened

Qantas said it worked with Melbourne airport staff to ventilate and clean the lounge before reopening it.

A company spokesperson said: “We worked with the Melbourne airport to clean the lounge and it has since reopened.”

The company confirmed operations returned to normal after the inspection and cleaning were completed.

Previous lithium-ion battery incidents on flights

The Guardian reported that in July Virgin Australia reviewed its battery policies after a fire broke out on a Sydney to Hobart flight.

That incident was believed to have been caused by a power bank in a passenger’s carry-on bag.

Many airlines, including Qantas, have since tightened restrictions on lithium-ion batteries used in devices such as mobility equipment and portable chargers.

The measures aim to reduce the risk of overheating or combustion during flights.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Incidents involving portable lithium-ion batteries remain a central concern for aviation fire safety specialists, airport facility managers and regulatory authorities.

Thermal runaway in small consumer devices can cause ignition, toxic smoke and localised burns even outside aircraft cabins.

Airport fire and rescue teams continue to adapt procedures for confined-area incidents involving battery fires in lounges and terminals.

Airlines’ evolving restrictions on battery-powered items highlight the growing operational need for consistent risk assessment and public awareness measures.

Such cases reinforce the importance of lithium-ion fire behaviour knowledge among first responders, maintenance personnel and safety officers responsible for airport operations.

Seven firefighters injured after explosion during Bronx vehicle and rubbish fire

by Featured NewsIncidents

Bronx street fire and explosion timeline

Seven firefighters were injured after an explosion during a street fire in the Bronx on Wednesday night, according to the New York Times and other reports.

The New York City Fire Department received calls at around 7 p.m. about burning trash on a sidewalk on Westchester Avenue, the newspaper reported.

Firefighters arrived to find rubbish and debris ablaze on the pavement and vehicles on the street also on fire, the paper said.

The blaze was brought under control by about 8:20 p.m., according to the Fire Department, the New York Times reported.

Injuries and hospital treatment details

Five firefighters sustained serious burns to their hands and faces, New York City Fire Department officials said, as reported by the New York Times.

Dr Sheldon Teperman, who was treating some of the firefighters at Jacobi Medical Center, said they were expected to recover fully, the newspaper reported.

Three firefighters were being treated at the hospital on Wednesday night, according to the chief, the New York Times said.

It was not clear when the hospitalised firefighters would be discharged, the paper added.

Explosion cause and scene conditions

The fire appeared to have spread from the sidewalk trash to nearby vehicles before the explosion, Fire Department spokesman Stephen Rhine told reporters, as cited by the New York Times.

The cause of the fire remained under investigation on Wednesday night, Fire Department Chief John M. Esposito said, according to the newspaper.

John M. Esposito, Fire Department Chief, said: “Shortly after we arrived on the scene, there was some sort of explosion, a large fireball,”.

Officials described a large fireball at the scene following the initial response, the New York Times reported.

Investigation and next steps reported

Officials did not provide a timeline for releasing those who remained in hospital, the New York Times reported.

No further details on the origin of the blaze were available on Wednesday night, according to the paper.

The location was identified as Westchester Avenue in the Bronx, New York City, the New York Times said.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Incident commanders and senior officers can reference the reported sequence in which a pavement rubbish fire involved nearby vehicles and preceded an explosion.

Training officers and instructors can use the timing details – calls at about 7 p.m. and control by about 8:20 p.m. – to frame urban response drills.

Equipment specifiers and PPE leads can note that five firefighters received burns to hands and faces, which aligns with exposure patterns at close-range exterior fires.

Hospital outcomes described by Dr Sheldon Teperman indicate expectations of full recovery for those treated, which may inform post-incident welfare planning.

Fire investigation teams can align their early-scene procedures with the report that the cause remained under investigation and that vehicles were involved.

Inside the Harlem lithium-ion battery fire: FDNY firefighters relive rescues and Medal Day honours

by AmericasFeatured NewsIncidentsTraining

New FDNY Pro episode covers Harlem fire response

The FDNY Pro podcast has released a new episode on lithium-ion battery fire operations.

In the programme, Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo recounted their actions at a February 2024 lithium-ion battery fire in Harlem.

The incident occurred in a six-story, non-fireproof apartment building where a battery ignited and spread rapidly through the hallway and stairwell.

The fire created extreme smoke and heat conditions that trapped dozens of residents on the upper floors.

The episode highlights how FDNY companies carried out rescues under near-zero visibility while engines fought to contain the spread.

Backgrounds of the podcast guests

The episode was hosted by Battalion Chief Jason Cascone, who interviewed Brito and Kotzo.

Brito joined the department in 2008, serving in several companies before being promoted to Battalion Chief in 2025.

He was Captain of Ladder 34 at the time of the Harlem fire.

Kotzo entered the FDNY in 2003 and has served in multiple companies, including his current assignment at Ladder 28.

Their backgrounds provided context for the perspectives they brought to the incident.

Inside operations and rescues

During the conversation, Brito explained how Ladder 34 advanced inside the building when fire blocked the stairwell.

Engine 69 stretched a line to hold back the flames, allowing ladder crews to climb and begin searches.

In blackout conditions, Brito located two unconscious civilians in a fourth-floor hallway.

With assistance from other firefighters, they removed both victims despite worsening smoke and heat.

He added that his team re-entered to continue searches in a cluttered apartment, supported by suppression efforts from engine companies.

Roof rescues by Ladder 28

Kotzo described on the podcast how he coordinated roof operations during the fire.

He and his roof partner performed rope rescues after finding civilians trapped at top-floor windows.

One rescue required him to descend with a victim clinging to him, who released his hold mid-descent.

Kotzo bore the victim’s weight until they reached the ground safely.

The discussion noted that Squad 41 also conducted rope rescues, supported by roof guides and ground units treating victims on descent.

Medal Day recognition

The podcast highlighted that six members received medals for actions at the Harlem fire.

Chief Brito was awarded the Henry D. Brookman Medal.

Firefighter Kotzo received the Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr. Medal, the FDNY’s highest honour for fire operations.

Other recipients included Firefighter Jason Lopez, Firefighter Matthew Nolan, Firefighter Mark Douglas and Firefighter Dwayne Davis.

Brito and Kotzo said the recognition represented collective company work rather than individual achievement.

Training and culture lessons

The guests stressed during the episode the importance of training and coordination.

They said rope rescues and search techniques are drilled extensively, enabling instinctive action under stress.

They also highlighted the department’s culture of accountability, with crews returning to suppression after rescues were complete.

Both guests described Medal Day as a reinforcement of family pride and collective morale across the FDNY community.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This podcast episode provides operational insight into lithium-ion battery fire response.

It shows how rapid fire spread in non-fireproof structures can trap residents quickly when doors are left open.

It outlines the value of rope rescue capability in dense urban areas where occupants may be cut off.

It also demonstrates how suppression and rescue functions must be integrated for life safety outcomes.

FDNY Pro podcast highlights lithium-ion battery fire operations: Summary

The FDNY Pro podcast has released a new episode on a lithium-ion battery fire.

The fire occurred on February 23, 2024, in a six-story non-fireproof apartment building in Harlem.

Battalion Chief Ryan Brito and Firefighter Michael Kotzo were featured guests on the episode.

Brito described leading inside searches under heavy smoke and heat.

Kotzo recounted rope rescues from the roof involving multiple trapped civilians.

Six FDNY members later received medals for actions at this incident.

The fire originated from a lithium-ion battery on the third floor.

An open apartment door allowed smoke and fire to spread into the public hall.

Engine companies contained the spread while ladder companies performed rescues.

The episode is hosted by Battalion Chief Jason Cascone.

It also reflects on the guests’ career backgrounds.

The episode aired on August 26, 2025.

The guests emphasised the importance of training for rope rescues and search operations.

They highlighted FDNY’s culture of accountability and collective duty.

The Medal Day 2025 ceremony was described as recognition for both families and firehouses.

The episode provides lessons for handling lithium-ion battery fires in non-fireproof structures.

It outlines the operational challenges and coordination required in such incidents.

It demonstrates integration of suppression and rescue functions.

It outlines the role of rope rescue in dense urban environments.

The FDNY Pro podcast episode is available through FDNY channels.

Marshall Islands parliament destroyed in overnight fire

by Featured NewsIncidents

Fire devastates Nitijela building in Majuro

The Guardian has reported that a fire has destroyed the national parliament building of the Marshall Islands.

The Marshall Islands fire department told Reuters that around half of the Nitijela building had been burned during the overnight blaze.

It said firefighters were called during the early hours of Tuesday morning when the structure was already engulfed in flames.

According to police, while the fire was eventually stopped, the remaining building is no longer usable.

Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported that the chamber, offices, library and archives were destroyed.

Impact on parliamentary operations

RNZ Pacific correspondent Giff Johnson said: “The building is no longer usable, and already, alternative plans are being talked about, about where they’re going to hold parliament, because parliament is actually in session right now.”

He added that the fire has forced immediate consideration of temporary venues for legislative work.

The loss of chambers and archives has also disrupted access to documents required for proceedings.

Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for when an alternative meeting site will be selected.

Reaction from government and officials

The Guardian reported that neither the parliament of the Marshall Islands nor President Hilda Heine’s office responded to requests for comment.

Officials have not yet issued any public statements regarding the cause of the fire or future rebuilding plans.

No reports have been released about casualties connected to the incident.

The fire service and police have not provided further detail on whether investigations into the cause have begun.

Regional and international context

The Marshall Islands is a Pacific archipelago located between Hawaii and Australia, with a population of about 42,000 people.

Roughly half of its citizens live in Majuro, where the parliament building is located.

The country maintains a compact of free association with the United States.

Under this arrangement the US provides economic support in exchange for military access.

The nation is also one of the states that maintains diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.

Taiwan’s response

Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung expressed condolences to the Marshall Islands after the fire.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will remain in contact with the Marshall Islands government.

It noted that it will provide assistance in a timely manner if required, without giving further details.

The statement did not specify the form of potential support or funding.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The fire that destroyed the Marshall Islands parliament highlights the vulnerability of public and government buildings to large-scale fire incidents.

It demonstrates the importance of fire services being able to respond quickly, despite challenges posed by remote island locations.

The loss of archives and administrative facilities shows the broader consequences of such incidents beyond structural damage.

This case may also serve as a reference for future planning in relation to fire resilience for government buildings worldwide.

Marshall Islands parliament destroyed in overnight fire: Summary

The Guardian reported that a fire has destroyed the parliament building of the Marshall Islands.

The blaze broke out overnight and firefighters responded in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The Marshall Islands fire department told Reuters that half of the Nitijela was burned.

Police said the remaining structure cannot be used.

RNZ reported that the parliament chamber, offices, library and archives were destroyed.

RNZ Pacific correspondent Giff Johnson said parliament must now find an alternative venue while in session.

The Guardian reported that officials did not respond to requests for comment.

The cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

The Marshall Islands is located between Hawaii and Australia and has a population of about 42,000.

The country has a compact of free association with the United States.

It also recognises Taiwan diplomatically.

Taiwan’s foreign minister Lin Chia-lung expressed condolences after the incident.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will remain in contact with the Marshall Islands.

The ministry added it will provide assistance in a timely manner.

No details were given on the nature of that assistance.

Arthur’s Seat blaze disrupts Fringe festival weekend in Edinburgh

by Featured NewsIncidentsWildland Fire

Arthur’s Seat fire prompts overnight response in Edinburgh

BBC News has reported that firefighters worked overnight to control a large gorse blaze on Arthur’s Seat in central Edinburgh.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said the fire was reported at about 16:05 on Sunday, with four appliances and specialist resources sent to the scene.

It said two appliances remained at the location on Monday to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

The SFRS confirmed that there were no reported casualties.

Police Scotland urged members of the public to avoid the area while the fire was being tackled.

Area closures and public safety measures

According to BBC News, a large section of Holyrood Park was closed to pedestrians as the fire spread.

People on Arthur’s Seat were seen leaving the area, with others advised not to approach.

Supporters attending the Hibernian v Kilmarnock football match were told to avoid the Willowbrae, Duddingston and Holyrood areas when leaving Easter Road stadium.

The SFRS said its resources remained on site to monitor the situation and respond to any flare-ups.

Eyewitness account of fire spread

BBC News reported that Nick Brice from Brighton saw the fire spreading while descending Arthur’s Seat.

He told BBC Scotland News: “We could see this little plume of smoke on the ridge at the far side and it just got bigger and bigger.

“All of a sudden we could see these flames starting to come up and people noticed it spreading fast.

“The smoke started to really build and then these flames started to cover the ridge and we realised the wind was blowing it right towards us.

“We had to get down to the road fast because it was going to come across the whole area.”

Mr Brice, who is performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, said he passed people heading uphill and urged them to turn back.

He added: “Now the whole hillside is covered in flames and smoke coming down over the path we walked.”

Wider context and recent wildfire activity

BBC News noted that smoke was visible across Edinburgh during one of the city’s busiest weekends, with multiple festivals taking place and large concerts at Murrayfield.

The SFRS has issued multiple wildfire warnings this year amid a warm and dry summer.

Scottish Water has said the country recorded its driest start to the year since 1964, with all regions experiencing water scarcity in May.

Recent wildfires in the Highlands were described by the SFRS as the largest Scotland has experienced.

Historical fires on Arthur’s Seat

BBC News reported that in February 2019 firefighters tackled a large gorse blaze on Arthur’s Seat.

That fire burned about 800 square metres of gorse on the Salisbury Crags.

Similar fires have occurred periodically during dry weather in Edinburgh.

Arthur’s Seat fire prompts overnight response in Edinburgh: Summary

BBC News reported that a gorse fire broke out on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh on Sunday afternoon.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was reported at about 16:05 and four appliances were sent to the scene.

Two appliances remained on site on Monday to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

There were no reported casualties.

Police Scotland advised the public to avoid the area.

Holyrood Park was partially closed to pedestrians.

Football supporters leaving Easter Road stadium were asked to avoid affected areas.

An eyewitness described seeing flames spreading rapidly due to wind.

The fire occurred during one of Edinburgh’s busiest weekends.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has issued multiple wildfire warnings this year.

Scotland has experienced a warm and dry summer, with record low rainfall since 1964.

Large wildfires have also recently occurred in the Highlands.

Arthur’s Seat experienced a similar gorse fire in February 2019.