An electric motorbike burst into flames inside a home in Halifax just as a man went to investigate a “popping noise” downstairs.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted the dangers of lithium batteries after the motorbike set alight.
The scary incident happened at around 1am on February 1 after the homeowner heard “popping noises” from where an electric motorbike was being charged.
The sound indicated that the batteries were failing before it exploded as the homeowners reached halfway down the stairs.
A house was set on fire after a motorbike exploded into flames
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
On Tuesday, the force released the shocking video, with the permission of the homeowner, to educate the public.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The video shows the owner rushing downstairs in the middle of the night after being woken by a popping noise, created by the batteries of an electric motorbike being charged inside the house.
"The sound indicated the batteries were failing due to thermal runaway – this is when too much heat is generated within a battery.
“Seconds later fire dramatically erupts and sets off the smoke alarm."
Following the incident, five people were taken to hospital, all with smoke inhalation, and one person with burns to the mouth and windpipe.
None of the injuries were life-threatening.
Inside the property, the kitchen was severely damaged by smoke and heat while other parts of the house were affected due to open doors as people escaped.
Watch manager John Cavalier, who is part of the force's fire investigation unit, said: "While fires involving lithium batteries are common, having a video showing the violence of the fire’s development is not.
The motorbike exploded and flames engulfed the kitchen
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
"It’s clear to see in the video that the fire is absolutely horrifying – none of us would want this to happen in our homes."
He also outlined the dangers of lithium batteries.
Cavalier added: "Because lithium batteries can be found in a range of items, we frequently attend fires involving them.
"Any other type of fire we deal with has usually developed slowly, and people are able to get out quickly. However, battery fires are so ferocious and spread so quickly that there isn’t as much time to escape.
"To help keep everyone in your family safe, don’t leave lithium batteries to charge unattended, don’t put them in the way of exits or in hallways and unplug chargers when the batteries are at full capacity."
