Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has determined that a lithium‑ion battery caused a rapidly spreading house fire in Bootle on 22 September that killed Elisha Brabin, 36, and her three children: Leo, 16; Ellis, 8; and Prudence, 7. Four people were found with no signs of life in an upstairs bedroom and a man was taken to hospital with burns. The service reported 150 lithium‑ion battery fires in Merseyside between April 2023 and August 2026, with five related fatalities, and warned the public to use only manufacturer‑approved batteries and chargers.
Lithium‑Ion Battery Blamed for Fatal Bootle House Fire That Killed Mother and Three Children
(l-r) Elisha Brabin (with Prudence) and three of her children: Ellis, Prudence and Leo died in the house fire [Merseyside Police]
An investigation by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS), conducted with Merseyside Police, has concluded that a lithium‑ion battery sparked a rapidly spreading house fire in Bootle that killed a mother and her three children.
What Happened
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo, 16; Ellis, 8; and Prudence, 7, died after a blaze swept through a semi‑detached home on Stone Square in Bootle in the early hours of 22 September. Fire crews arrived at the scene at around 03:45 BST and at the height of the incident six fire engines were tackling the fire. Four people were later found in an upstairs bedroom showing no signs of life. A man was taken to hospital with burns.
Investigation and Findings
MFRS said the origin of the fire was an electrical event linked to a lithium‑ion battery — the kind commonly used in e‑bikes and e‑scooters. Kev Johnson of MFRS said the finding underlines the risks associated with these batteries.
'This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium‑ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire.'
The fire service reported that Merseyside recorded 150 fires linked to lithium‑ion batteries between April 2023 and August 2026, with five fatalities connected to such incidents during that period.
Six fire engines were at the scene at the height of the blaze [PA Media]
Response and Warnings
Johnson paid tribute to emergency crews and the North West Ambulance Service for their efforts, saying staff 'made every effort to provide a different outcome' but were hindered by the speed and intensity of the blaze.
He urged the public to follow manufacturers' instructions: only use batteries and chargers supplied with or approved for the device, and stop using any battery that displays signs of failure. Common warning signs include swelling, unusual noises, strong chemical smells, failure to charge and smoking.
Family Tribute
Relatives of Ms Brabin described her as a 'devoted and loving mother who lived for her children' and said the family is 'heartbroken' by their 'unimaginable' loss. 'Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure. They have all been taken from us far too soon,' the family said.
MFRS and Merseyside Police continue to support the bereaved family and investigate the circumstances of the incident.
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