Firefighters are urging people to keep their doors closed at home after an e-scooter fire was contained to a kitchen.

Fire crews from Basildon, Brentwood and Orsett, were called to a house fire in Elizabeth Road, Pilgrims Hatch at 2.06pm on Sunday (June 25).

On arrival, crews reported there was a fire in the kitchen, which they believe was caused by a defective battery on an e-scooter which caught fire.

READ MORE:

Echo: The door to the kitchen which was closedThe door to the kitchen which was closed (Image: Essex Fire and Rescue Service)

Watch manager Mark Elsey, from Brentwood Fire Station, said: “We’d like to highlight the importance of keeping your doors closed if you can. The fire was contained to the kitchen and because the kitchen door was shut, the smoke was also contained to the kitchen.

“Try to make a habit of keeping your doors shut as this can drastically minimise the damage to your home if there’s a fire. If you discover a fire in your home, our advice is to get out and dial 999. If it is safe to do so on your way out, try to close any internal doors when leaving the house.

“We’d also like to highlight the importance of keeping your electrical cupboards clear as this is a fire risk. It can also delay crews isolating your power in the event of a fire in your home."

Essex Fire Service has given the following e-scooter safety advice:

  • Buy your e-scooter from a reputable retailer and follow the manufacturer's guidance on charging and storing
  • Store your e-scooter outside and away from escape routes
  • Always charge it during the day when you are at home
  • Do not over-charge it – once it is fully charged, unplug it and turn the charger off
  • Register it at registermyappliance
  • Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
  • Check your battery regularly. If it gets damaged it could catch fire