A significant fire at a serviced apartment hotel in West London led to the emergency evacuation of approximately 140 people on Monday evening. The incident, now confirmed to have been caused by a faulty lithium-ion battery, required a major response from the London Fire Brigade.
Major Emergency Response in Bayswater
The fire broke out at the Grand Plaza Serviced Apartments on Prince's Square in Bayswater at around 6pm on Monday, January 6. Emergency services were swiftly on the scene, with the first call logged at 6.01pm.
Control Officers mobilised a substantial force to tackle the blaze, with crews arriving from Kensington, Paddington, North Kensington and Soho fire stations. In total, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters worked to bring the situation under control.
Casualties and Cause
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) treated around five people at the scene for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, there were no reports of more serious injuries.
Investigators have determined the blaze was accidental and originated from the failure of a lithium-ion battery. The fire was declared under control by 7.26pm, just over an hour after it began.
Safety Warnings and Aftermath
In the wake of the incident, a London Fire Brigade spokesperson issued crucial safety advice regarding the use of lithium batteries, which are increasingly common in phones, laptops, and e-scooters.
"Lithium batteries are susceptible to failure if incorrect chargers are used," the spokesperson warned. "It’s important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller."
The Brigade's key safety tips include:
- Unplug chargers once devices are fully charged.
- Avoid leaving devices charging unattended or overnight while people are asleep.
- Protect batteries from damage, over-charging, short circuits, and water.
- Avoid knocking batteries during use or transport to prevent cell damage.
A representative for the hotel sought to reassure the public, stating: "The affected rooms have been taken care of. It was a small fire, and everything is okay now." The hotel has since reopened to guests.
