A terrifying incident in the early hours of a November morning has prompted a major safety warning for electric vehicle owners across the UK. A man was nearly trapped in his home after his electric Peugeot erupted in flames on his driveway in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.
Dramatic Escape as Blaze Erupts
Emergency services were called to Jodrell Meadow in Whaley Bridge at 2:05am on Sunday, 23 November 2025. They arrived to find the electric vehicle fully ablaze. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a man attempting to escape from a window of his house as the inferno, which involved the car's lithium-ion battery, raged on his driveway.
Residents described hearing at least four loud explosions during the incident. The fire produced intense, toxic fumes that made breathing difficult for those nearby. One neighbour with asthma stated they required extra medication for breathing difficulties for approximately two weeks following the event.
Firefighters Battle Intense Inferno
Fire crews from New Mills, supported by specialist equipment from Buxton, fought the blaze for nearly an hour. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets and a specialist electric vehicle fire blanket to extinguish the flames and contain the spread of dangerous fumes. The fire was finally confirmed out at 02:59 hours.
An investigation later determined the fire most likely originated within the vehicle's engine compartment. The incident highlights the specific dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which can experience "thermal runaway"—a process that leads to intense, hard-to-extinguish fires and the release of poisonous gases.
Official Safety Guidance for EV Owners
In response to the incident, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued crucial safety advice for all electric vehicle drivers. A key warning is to never use a charging point that is not compatible with your car's specific make. They urge owners to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for both charging and general vehicle use.
The service provided a list of essential safety tips:
- Read your vehicle handbook thoroughly and adhere to all guidance.
- Charge your car using a dedicated, professionally installed home wall box.
- Where possible, charge on a driveway rather than in an enclosed garage.
- Have your EV regularly serviced by a qualified specialist.
- If you suspect a fault, stop using the vehicle or charger immediately and contact the manufacturer.
The most critical advice is clear: if a lithium-ion battery fire occurs, do not attempt to tackle it yourself. Evacuate the area, stay out, and call 999 immediately.
The shaken neighbour, reflecting on the event, expressed broader concerns: "I'm worried this could become a really big problem as we get more electric vehicles on streets." The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the specific safety protocols surrounding modern electric vehicle technology.
