A devastating house fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her three children was caused by a lithium-ion battery, an investigation has found.
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her children Leo Brabin, 16, Ellis Brabin, eight, and seven-year-old Prudence Brabin died in the blaze at their home in Bootle, Merseyside.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said an electrical event caused the battery to enter thermal runaway, triggering the fire.
Thermal runaway happens when a battery produces more heat than it can safely release, causing its temperature to rise rapidly and uncontrollably.
MFRS released its findings today after the fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22.
Firefighters were called to the family’s home on Stone Square at about 3.45am and found Ms Brabin and her children in an upstairs bedroom.
A fifth casualty was taken to hospital with burn injuries.
Kev Johnson, MFRS head of prevention, said: ‘This is a devastating incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the mother and children who lost their lives and those who were injured.
Elisha Brabin, 36, and her seven-year-old daughter Prudence, who died in the Merseyside fire
Elisha Brabin, who was found in an upstairs bedroom by firefighters, pictured with her partner Kane
Eight-year-old Ellis Brabin also died in the blaze in the early hours of Tuesday, September 22
Leo Brabin, 16, was killed in the fire at the family’s home on Stone Square in Bootle
Seven-year-old Prudence Brabin died alongside her mother and siblings in the house fire at about 3.45am
‘I would like to commend the efforts of our fire control staff and our fire crews, also working with NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) colleagues, who made every effort to provide a different outcome, but sadly this was not the case due to the speed and intensity of the fire.
‘This tragedy highlights the very real risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which we confirmed as the source of the fire.’
The fire service has not said what the battery was being used for, although 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, with five fatalities connected to the batteries.
Mr Johnson said: ‘We’re urging people to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, only using batteries and chargers which have been supplied with the vehicle or approved by the manufacturer, as anything else can pose a huge 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.’
After their deaths, Ms Brabin’s family said the mother and her children were ‘loved beyond measure’, adding that relatives had been left ‘devastated’.
They said: ‘Elisha was our beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, auntie, niece and cousin. She was a devoted and loving mother who lived for her children. They were her whole world, and she meant everything to us.
‘Our beautiful babies, Leo, Ellis and Prudence, were loved beyond measure and brought so much joy, happiness and love to our family. They filled our lives with laughter and precious memories that we will cherish forever.
‘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.
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
A Gofundme page set up for the family has raised more than £12,000.
Neighbour Loti Nambombe, who set up the fundraiser, said: ‘Everybody just wants to do something to help, that’s our duty as neighbours and as a community.’
He said funds could go towards funeral costs or anything else the family needed.
Mr Nambombe, who has been looking after the family’s dog since the fire, said residents came out in the street to help after hearing screaming when the blaze broke out.
He said: ‘Some of the guys here are real heroes. They were trying to run in, get ladders or smash windows to get people out. People nearly risked their own lives to try and help.’
Flowers were left at the scene in tribute to the family.
A number of soft toys, including Minecraft and Star Wars characters, were laid on the pavement next to a police cordon, along with candles, pink and blue star-shaped balloons and photo frames showing images of the family.
One card had the message: ‘God bless you all. Heartbroken to hear about the devastating fire.’
Another said: ‘Sleep tight. Forever in our hearts.’
