Firefighters Tackle Fulham Road Flat Blaze
Vacuum cleaner's lithium battery failure blamed
Picture: London Fire Brigade
January 15, 2026
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a flat fire on Fulham Road this Wednesday (14 January) after a lithium battery in a vacuum cleaner failed, sparking an accidental blaze in a first-floor property.
Part of the flat, located within a residential block, was damaged before crews brought the fire under control. A woman managed to leave the property before firefighters arrived, and there were no reported injuries.
The first 999 call was received at 4.45pm, and crews from Chelsea, Hammersmith, Wandsworth and Kensington fire stations were sent to the scene. Firefighters had the blaze under control within half an hour.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) said the incident highlights the growing risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which are now one of the fastest-increasing causes of house fires in London.
A Brigade spokesperson said, “Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used, so it’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller. You should unplug your charger when you have finished using it and we would advise not to leave it unattended or charging while people are asleep.”
They added that batteries can become dangerous if over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water or damaged, and urged residents to avoid knocking or dropping devices that contain them.
Firefighters also recommend that you have a look at our online Home Fire Safety Checker to make sure there are no hidden hazards in your home.
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