Smoke alarm saves child’s life following electric scooter fire

A Southampton family had a lucky escape after a smoke alarm alerted them to a fire in a child’s bedroom.

The battery of an e-scooter left on charge overnight in Larelle Jauncey’s flat caught alight but they were woken by the alarm, allowing them to safely evacuate and dial 999.

Crews from Redbridge and St Mary’s were called to Dyer Road shortly after 1am today after the family reported smoke coming from 12-year-old Kaleb’s bedroom.

Station Manager Dave Graham said: “Everyone had evacuated because they could see and smell smoke in the bedroom but they couldn’t initially see where it was coming from.

“The crew went in and turned the e-scooter off and used the thermal imaging camera, but it wasn’t until they moved the scooter and the battery popped out that it became clear that was where it was coming from.

“It wasn’t a large fire but I’ve no doubt that this child’s life was saved by the working smoke detector because the bedroom door was shut and there would have been smoke inhalation.”

Mum Larelle said: “His whole bedroom was full of smoke but there was no sign of any fire. I got all the kids up and we all got out and that’s when I dialled 999.

“It’s left us shocked and tired but grateful. It makes me feel sick when I think about what could have happened.”

Station Manager Graham added: “Please don’t charge e-scooters overnight when you are asleep.

“The crews did a great job in persevering to find out what the cause was because there was just a smell of smoke and it could have been missed.”