Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended a fire on Adelaide Road in Surbiton on Friday (2 May).

A row of 10 garages and three gas cylinders were damaged by the fire.

A further 12 gas cylinders were cooled to an ambient temperature and removed as a precaution, as some cylinders can explode when exposed to heat. There were no reports of any injuries.

The Brigade's Control Officers received nine calls about the fire.

The first call was received at 5.30pm on Friday and Control Officers mobilised crews from Surbiton, Kingston, New Malden and Norbury fire stations to the scene.

Two fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also attended. The fire was brought under control by 7.17pm.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery in a small power tool.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Lithium batteries store a significant amount of energy in a very small space and are much more powerful compared to other types of batteries.

"If that energy is released in an uncontrolled way, then a fire or explosion may result. If there is overheating, crushing, penetrating or overcharging, then a fault can occur within damaged battery cells which may cause the battery to catch fire. 

"Fires involving lithium batteries, which power devices, can be ferocious, producing jets of flame. The blaze is also hot enough to melt through metal. This type of fire produces a highly flammable, explosive and toxic vapour cloud which should never be inhaled."

The spokesperson continued: "The fire can also be extremely challenging to put out. Our advice is to get away to safety and call 999. 

"Lithium batteries, or the devices powered by these batteries, should be stored and charged in a location away from where people live, such as in a shed or a garage.

"If they have to be stored inside, make sure there is smoke detection fitted, it's kept in a room where you can shut a door and contain a fire, and your means of escape is not obstructed.

"Never store or charge on an escape route such as a hallway or by an exit to a property. 

"It is also important to ensure that you buy your batteries from a reputable seller and to ensure you are using the correct charger for the batteries."