A homemade e-bike battery that “burst into flames” destroyed two sheds in Peterborough, prompting fire crews to warn of the dangers of DIY battery packs.

A fire that destroyed two outbuildings is believed to have been triggered when a damaged homemade e-bike battery pack “burst into flames”.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a fresh warning about the risks of homemade e-bikes and DIY battery packs following the incident in Peterborough on Monday.

“There were no injuries, but due to the severity of lithium battery fires the contents of the shed and a shed in a neighbouring property were destroyed,” a spokesperson said.

Rise in incidents

The service has already dealt with more battery-related fires in homes across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough this year than it did in the whole of 2024, it previously told the BBC.

Crews from Stanground and Dogsthorpe were called to Cosgrove Close in Ravensthorpe at about 18:31 BST. Firefighters used hose reels to put out the blaze, which was ruled accidental.

It is thought the fire began after a battery cell pack, damaged when it was dropped, ignited. The resident quickly realised what was happening and dialled 999.

Safety concerns

“We would like to remind people of the risks of homemade e-bikes and construction of battery packs at home,” said the spokesperson.

“Whilst seen as a cheap alternative, most of the time these do not contain the safety systems that are in batteries purchased from a reputable seller.”

The service added that if a battery has been dropped or damaged, it should be placed somewhere safe – ideally outside – and replaced.

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