A fire caused by a lithium-ion battery has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her three children at their home in Bootle, Merseyside. The blaze occurred in the early hours of September 22 and was investigated by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), which determined that the fire was triggered by an electrical event causing the battery to enter thermal runaway, a condition where it generates excessive heat uncontrollably.

Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo, 16, Ellis, eight, and Prudence, seven, were found deceased by firefighters in an upstairs bedroom of the family home on Stone Square around 3:45 a.m. A fifth person was present outside the property when emergency services arrived and was taken to hospital with burn injuries.

Thermal runaway is a known hazard of lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and vapes. However, authorities have not confirmed the specific device involved in this incident. According to Kevin Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, the fire highlights the significant fire risks associated with these batteries. He emphasized the importance of following manufacturers’ instructions and only using approved batteries and chargers to mitigate danger.

Johnson also advised the public to be vigilant for signs of battery failure, including swelling, unusual noises, strong odors, charging issues, or smoke, and to cease use immediately if any of these occur. Between April 2023 and August 2026, MFRS reported 150 fires in the region linked to lithium-ion batteries, with five fatalities in total.

The family released a statement mourning the loss of Elisha and her children, describing her as a “devoted and loving mother” and expressing profound grief over their deaths. The tragedy has drawn attention to the hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries, prompting calls for increased awareness and careful handling of such devices to prevent future incidents.