Firefighters issue e-bike warning after Chalvey house fire

A major blaze at a house in Chalvey today may have been caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike, according to the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Crews from Slough, Langley, Windsor and Maidenhead spent more than four hours tackling the fire at a property in Ragstone Road.

Firefighters arrived on the scene at 9.33am and were confronted with a blaze within a first floor loft conversion which had spread to the roof.

Four crew members equipped with breathing apparatus and hose reels extinguished the flames.

One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by paramedics from the South Central Ambulance Service.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said initial reports indicate the fire may have been caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike.

A statement from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, and they can catch fire quickly and with little warning.

“With their increased use, comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage. The dangers can occur when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes.”