The aftermath of the fire in Barlow Road, West Hampstead

THE cause of the ferocious fire which ripped through a West Hampstead house and killed a family’s pet dog has been confirmed as a lithium battery.

An online fundraiser has been set up by the “West End Sidings Community” to support the family whose home in Barlow Road was destroyed last week.

It said: “This tragic event has left them with nothing – no clothes, no essential documents, no personal belongings – everything they’ve worked so hard for has been reduced to ashes. Bernadette had waited eight long years to finally move into this home, and just two years after settling in, they’ve lost everything.

“The road ahead will be long and difficult, but with your generosity, we can help them get back on their feet and begin the process of healing. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in helping them replace the essentials and start over.”

Around £375 has been raised so far and will go towards “gift vouchers and basic essentials, replacing crucial documents, furniture, and other necessities and a memorial for their dog Toffee”.

The London Fire Brigade said the blaze started when a battery for an e-scooter burst into flames and warned bike and e-scooter batteries have “become one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks”.

Deputy assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, Richard Field, said: “When these batteries fail, they can cause ferocious fires, and the consequences can be devastating. We urge people who own these devices to follow the safety advice that will help to protect those around them and their properties.”

In 2024, London Fire Brigade recorded 142 fires involving e-bikes along with 29 e-scooters.