'It can happen to anyone' - firefighter speaks out about Warsop house fire
An on-call firefighter has opened up about a recent house fire, after a battery exploded in his garage whilst on charge.
Carl Evans was charging a lithium-ion polymer battery at his home in Warsop, having made sure to carry out fire safety checks first.
Whilst in and out of the garage, he returned to see smoke and realised the battery had exploded.
He followed his fire escape plan and got his family to safety and calling the fire service.
Warsop crews attended promptly and worked hard to put out the fire using two hose reels, one main jet and six breathing apparatus.
Firefighter Carl Evans said: "After following all the safety checks, there was nothing else I could do to prevent this tragic event.
"If this unfortunate incident can happen to me, it is proof it can happen to anyone.
"I urge you all to check your batteries, never leave them charging overnight and make sure you follow appropriate safety procedures.
"My house has been badly damaged and I have had to move home whilst it’s repaired. I am grateful to the service for their immediate response and support they have provided."
Station Manager Andy Turner said: "This is an important reminder that fire doesn’t discriminate and an incident like this can happen to anyone.
"I am pleased to hear Carl is well and able to find a temporary home whilst the damages are being fixed.
"Carl has proven to show extreme resilience to this incident and has been a role model in the community providing safety advice and guidance in Warsop."
