Families in Gosport left homeless after fire 'most likely' caused by e-scooter
Video shows a fire spreading to several homes through the roof. Credit: Shyme Lee.
A fire which tore through several properties in Gosport, Hampshire, leaving families homeless, was "most likely" caused by an e-scooter.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the fire on Hill Park Road at around 10pm on Wednesday (19 June).
It broke out in a three-storey dwelling and spread through the roof to seven neighbouring homes.
No one was injured, but two people were treated at the scene. They have since been released without needing further treatment.
Nine adults and four children, who have been left displaced from their homes, are being looked after by the local authority.
Witnesses told ITV Meridian's Kerry Swain that it was harrowing to watch
People were stranded outside in their nightclothes until two in the morning while more than 60 fire fighters fought to stop the blaze spreading further down the street.
"It was just an inferno and it happened so quickly and it just spread," neighbour Fiona Taylor told ITV Meridian.
"The air was full of smoke, it was acrid, it hit the back of your throat, it was awful."
"It was harrowing and horrific to watch because you knew your neighbours were watching their houses go up one by one."
The fire spread through seven out of the eight houses in this terrace. Most of the roofs have collapsed and the structure is now so dangerous that many families cannot return to their homes.
Jenna Robinson, a friend of the young mother who lives in the house where the fire started, has launched a fundraiser to help those affected.
"Amy said she's lost everything. Obviously all the bedrooms have been burned, so clothes, memories. She only wanted to get one box out which was the memory box but hasn't been able to," said Ms Robinson.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Residents made homeless were making emergency plans to stay with friends and family tonight. Repairs to this terrace will be extensive and it will be some time before they can return.
Video shows the moment flames tore through the roof. Credit Nicola Shakespeare.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is now reminding people of the danger that occurs when e-bikes and e-scooters are left on charge and unattended in homes or in communal areas such as hallways and stairwells.
Charging lithium batteries indoors increases the fire risk, especially if charged overnight when people are sleeping.
Station Manager Lacey Plumbley who attended the Gosport fire said: “E-bikes and e-scooters with lithium-ion batteries can catch fire quickly and with little warning.
"Thankfully everyone managed to evacuate the properties safely, but a number of families have seen their homes severely damaged as a result of this fire.
“We are urging people to keep an eye on their e-scooter and e-bikes when they are charging them and to think carefully about where they store them.
"Ideally they should be stored outside, but if they have to be stored inside, avoid blocking emergency escape routes.”
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