22 June 2024 , 07:50
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Firefighters have said a faulty e-scooter is to blame for a raging fire that tore through seven homes and forced dozens of people to evacuate a terrace.
The fire ignited in a three-storey property in Gosport, Hampshire, last week and quickly spread across a terrace by jumping from roof to roof. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were called to the scene and worked through the night to tackle the blaze, which required 10 engines and 60 firefighters at its height.
Firefighters evacuated nine adults and four children after the fire broke out at around 9.40pm. Initial reports into the incident found that the blaze was started by an e-scooter with a faulty battery, a spokesman for the service confirmed. Firefighters have now issued a warning to scooter owners as they hope to avoid another incident.
Firefighters responded to the blaze with 10 engines and specialist equipment (David Clarke/Solent News)In a statement, the firefighters said the preliminary investigation found a scooter was the "most likely cause", adding people should not leave the vehicles unattended. A spokesperson said: "The initial reports and the preliminary fire investigation has found that an e-scooter is the most likely cause of the fire.
"The main danger occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells. Charging lithium batteries indoors increases the fire risk, especially if charged overnight when occupants are sleeping."
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In a previous report issued following the fire on Thursday, the service said that once people were evacuated from the burning homes, two residents received treatment from the ambulance service. They have since been released, and families have received support from the local authority.
Residents described how they returned home to "utter devastation" (David Clarke/Solent News)Pictures of the incident aftermath show homes lining the terrace with charred roofs and burned-out upper floors. Terri Morgan and Jayson Carter were among those who fled the nighttime blaze, evacuating their homes in their pyjamas.
Speaking to the BBC, Terri said she initially became aware of the fire after hearing a "huge bang" at her front door and seeing flames. The two managed to flee via the property's rear entrance, but returned home to find "utter devastation", she added.
Terri said: "I heard this huge bang and went to the front door and I saw the flames. We got out through the back way and watched it unfold before we were moved away for our safety. Everything is just gone. I don’t know what I was expecting."