Warning After Blaze Sparked By Incorrect Storage Of Rechargeable Batteries

Wednesday, 11 May 2016 14:00

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) is highlighting the dangers of storing rechargeable batteries alongside metal items after this sparked a fire in Wakefield.

A young man was taken to hospital for a precautionary check-up after a fire in a high-rise flat in Thornbury Road in the early hours of May 6.

The man managed to escape from the flat after the fire started at around 2.20am.

Fire engines from Wakefield, Ossett and Dewsbury attended as well as the aerial ladder platform from Leeds Fire Station.

Fire Investigator Ian Firth said: “This fire had the potential to be serious as it was on an elevated floor of a high-rise building.

“Fortunately the occupier was alerted by a smoke alarm and firefighters were able to put the blaze out before it became established.”

The fire caused damage to one of the bedrooms and significant smoke damage to the rest of the flat.

Following the fire, the debris was examined, in which there was found to be an e-cigarette charging device and numerous e-cigarette batteries. One of the batteries was stored along with metal items which fire investigators believe came into contact causing a short which started the fire.

Mr Firth added: “This fire simply comes down to the way in which the batteries were being stored. It’s quite likely that not many people are aware this can happen.

“If the terminals of a rechargeable lithium-ion battery short together after coming into contact with metal, albeit even a coin or a keyring, the battery can heat up and cause ignition of surrounding combustible items.”

More from Local and National News

Bradford’s Cllr Kamran Hussain Recognised Nationally for Outstanding Community Leadership

Bradford councillor Kamran Hussain has been shortlisted for Community Champion at the 2025 LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards — highlighting his significant impact across the district.
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland Opens for 20th Anniversary Season at York Designer Outlet

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland returns for its milestone 20th year, unveiling new festive features, dazzling decorations and the North’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Final Leeds Brown Bin Collections Before Winter ‘Hi-Bin-ation’

Leeds’ garden waste collections will pause for winter as the final round of brown bin pick-ups begins from 17 November.
Detectives Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Dewsbury Disorder

Police are appealing for witnesses and footage after a 21-year-old man was critically injured during a violent incident in Dewsbury.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.