A lithium-ion battery caused the fire that killed a mother and her three children, an investigation has found.
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin died during the blaze at their home in Bootle, Merseyside, in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said investigators determined that an electrical event caused the lithium-ion battery to enter thermal runaway, triggering the fire.
Thermal runaway happens when a battery produces more heat than it can safely disperse. Its temperature then rises rapidly and uncontrollably, creating a serious fire risk.
Firefighters responding to the property on Stone Square at about 3.45am found Ms Brabin and her children in an upstairs bedroom.
A fifth person was taken to hospital with burn injuries.
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her daughter Prudence, seven, who died in the fire in Merseyside
Elisha Brabin – who was found in an upstairs bedroom by firefighters – and her partner Kane
Ellis Brabin, eight, also died in the blaze in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22
Leo Brabin, 16, was also killed in the fire at the family’s home on Stone Square in Bootle
Prudence Brabin, seven, died in the house fire with her mother and siblings at about 3.45am
Kev Johnson, head of prevention at MFRS, said: ‘This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives, as well as those who were injured.
FIND OUT MORE: WATCH: IDF Forces in Disguise Raid Hospital and Kill Hamas Leader, Pro-Hamas Libs Freak Out – NewsFinale
‘I would like to commend our fire control staff and crews, who worked alongside colleagues from NWAS and made every possible effort to achieve a different outcome. Sadly, the speed and intensity of the fire meant that this was not possible.
‘This tragedy highlights the very real dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we have confirmed were the source of the fire.’
The fire service has not said what the battery was being used for. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in e-bikes and e-scooters.
MFRS said 150 fires linked to lithium-ion batteries had been recorded in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026. Five people have died in incidents connected to the batteries.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has investigated the cause of the fire in Bootle
An investigation into the cause of the blaze in Merseyside has been carried out
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has not confirmed what the battery was being used for
Mr Johnson added: ‘We are urging people to follow manufacturers’ instructions and use only batteries and chargers supplied with the vehicle or approved by its manufacturer. Using unsuitable equipment can create a significant fire risk.’
‘It’s also important to know and recognise the signs that your lithium-ion battery may be failing – if it is swelling, making unusual sounds, has a strong smell, is failing to charge, or is smoking, please stop using immediately.’
Following their deaths, the family of Ms Brabin said she was a ‘devoted and loving mother who lived for her children’.
They said: ‘The tragic loss of Elisha and our three precious children has left us heartbroken. 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.’