Lithium-ion battery caused Bootle house fire that killed mother and three children, investigation finds

A lithium-ion battery caused a house fire in Bootle, Merseyside, that killed a mother and her three children, an investigation has found, according to a report by Eleanor Barlow for the Press Association.

Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children, Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin, died in the fire at their home on Stone Square in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22. Firefighters called to the property at about 3.45am found Ms Brabin and the children in an upstairs bedroom.

A fifth casualty was taken to hospital with burns.

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze began with an electrical event that caused a lithium-ion battery to enter thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery produces more heat than it can safely release, causing its temperature to rise rapidly and uncontrollably.

Kev Johnson, head of prevention at the fire service, described the incident as devastating and said the service’s thoughts were with the family and friends of those who died and those who were injured.

He also commended fire control staff, firefighters and North West Ambulance Service colleagues who made every effort to help, but said the speed and intensity of the fire meant there was sadly no different outcome.

“This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire,” Mr Johnson said.

The fire service has not confirmed what the battery was being used for. Lithium-ion batteries are often found in e-bikes and e-scooters, but the available evidence does not establish that the battery involved in this fire was connected to either type of vehicle.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries had occurred in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, with five fatalities linked to the batteries.

Mr Johnson urged people to follow manufacturers’ instructions and to use only batteries and chargers supplied with a vehicle or approved by its manufacturer. Using other equipment, he said, could pose a significant fire risk.

He also advised people to stop using a lithium-ion battery immediately if it begins swelling, makes unusual sounds, develops a strong smell, fails to charge or starts smoking.

After the deaths, Ms Brabin’s family described her as a “devoted and loving mother who lived for her children”.

“The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken,” the family said. “They have all been taken from us far too soon.

“The loss we are experiencing is unimaginable, and the impact on our family will be felt forever.”