Warning After Blaze Sparked By Incorrect Storage Of Rechargeable Batteries

Wednesday, 11 May 2016 14:00

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is highlighting the dangers of storing rechargeable batteries alongside metal items after this sparked a fire in Wakefield.

A young man was taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up after a fire in a high-rise flat in Thornbury Road in the early hours of May 6.

The man managed to escape from the flat after the fire started at around 2.20am.

Fire engines from Wakefield, Ossett and Dewsbury attended as well as the aerial ladder platform from Leeds Fire Station.

Fire Investigator Ian Firth said: “This fire had the potential to be serious as it was on an elevated floor of a high-rise building.

“Fortunately the occupier was alerted by a smoke alarm and firefighters were able to put the blaze out before it became established.”

The fire caused damage to one of the bedrooms and significant smoke damage to the rest of the flat.

Following the fire, the debris was examined, in which there was found to be an e-cigarette charging device and numerous e-cigarette batteries. One of the batteries was stored along with metal items which fire investigators believe came into contact causing a short which started the fire.

Mr Firth added: “This fire simply comes down to the way in which the batteries were being stored. It’s quite likely that not many people are aware this can happen.

“If the terminals of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery short together after coming into contact with metal, albeit even a coin or a keyring, the battery can heat up and cause ignition of surrounding combustible items.”

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm