Man leaps from window to escape 'e-bike fire'

A man jumped from a first-floor window to escape a house fire believed to have been caused by a charging e-bike.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the blaze at the terraced property in Uttoxeter New Road, Derby, at about 03:00 BST on Friday.

One man had jumped from the first floor of the "well alight" house before crews arrived but was uninjured, the service said.

However, the fire caused significant damage to the property, including the collapse of an internal wall.

Investigators have since concluded the most likely cause of the fire was an e-bike being charged inside the house.

Station manager Johny Smith said: "This was a serious fire that developed very quickly and caused significant damage including the collapse of an internal wall. The occupant was extremely fortunate to escape without injury.

"Fires involving lithium batteries, including those used in e-bikes and other charging devices, can escalate rapidly and produce intense heat and toxic smoke in a very short space of time.

"We strongly advise against charging e-bikes or similar items overnight while you are asleep, when you are less able to respond if something goes wrong.

"We are seeing a growing number of fires linked to e-bikes nationally."

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