On Friday 20 March 2026, a massive fire broke out at an electric scooter storage facility on Nieuwe Hemweg in Amsterdam-Westpoort, sending thick black smoke across the city visible as far away as Rotterdam and Utrecht. An NL-Alert was issued warning residents to close windows and doors. No injuries were reported — but the incident has reignited urgent questions about fire safety in homes and commercial properties across Europe.
What happened in Amsterdam?
The fire started at an industrial storage site where electric scooters were kept. Several scooters ignited outside the building first, before the flames spread rapidly to an adjacent structure. Firefighters decided to let that building burn in a controlled manner rather than risk the lives of crews fighting an unpredictable lithium-ion fire.
This is the second major fire incident in Amsterdam in one week: a residential blaze in De Pijp on 14 March 2026 injured a resident and left the building partially uninhabitable. In that case, residents who had to vacate their homes immediately faced confusion about their rights and what their insurance would — and would not — cover.
The hidden danger: lithium-ion batteries at home
The Amsterdam scooter fire is a reminder that the risk isn't confined to industrial sites. Millions of UK households now own electric bikes, scooters, and hoverboards — many of which are stored indoors, in hallways, garages, or flats. According to the London Fire Brigade, e-bike and e-scooter fires increased by over 40% between 2022 and 2024. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire spontaneously, burn at extreme temperatures, and are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
The UK's National Fire Chiefs Council recommends the following for anyone storing electric-powered devices at home:
- Never charge overnight or when you are asleep
- Store away from exits and escape routes — a burning scooter in a hallway can trap residents
- Use only manufacturer-approved chargers — cheap alternatives frequently cause fires
- Check for product recalls — several major brands have issued safety notices in 2025-2026
If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, checking the Government's product recall database and registering your device with the manufacturer is a straightforward but often overlooked step.
Your home insurance: what is (and isn't) covered after a fire?
Many UK homeowners and tenants assume their standard home insurance policy covers fire damage automatically and comprehensively. The reality is more complicated — and the gaps can be costly.
Contents insurance typically covers damage to your personal belongings caused by fire. However, exclusions may apply if:
- The fire was caused by a product used contrary to its instructions (e.g., an e-scooter charged with an unapproved charger)
- You failed to declare the e-scooter or e-bike as a high-value item
- You were subletting a room without informing your insurer
Buildings insurance (relevant for homeowners, not renters) usually covers structural damage from fire. But check whether your policy includes alternative accommodation costs if you are forced to leave your home while repairs are made — not all policies do.
For renters, the situation is different. Your landlord's buildings insurance covers the structure; you need your own contents insurance for your belongings. If the fire was caused by a fault in the building (poor wiring, defective appliances provided by the landlord), you may have a claim against the landlord under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Tenant rights after a fire: what can you demand?
If a fire in your rented home — or in a neighbouring property — forces you to leave, you have specific rights under English law that are worth knowing:
- Temporary housing: Your local council has a duty to provide emergency accommodation if you are made homeless by fire, particularly if you have dependents
- Rent reduction: If the property is partially uninhabitable, you may be entitled to a reduced rent during the repair period
- Lease termination: If the property is rendered entirely uninhabitable, the tenancy may be treated as frustrated, allowing either party to end it without penalty
- Compensation for lost belongings: If the fire resulted from your landlord's negligence (e.g., failure to maintain wiring or fire safety equipment), you may have a claim in tort
Always document damage with photographs and written communication to your landlord as soon as it is safe to do so. Keep copies of all correspondence.
When to consult a home improvement or legal professional
After a fire, many homeowners face a choice between accepting the insurance company's settlement offer quickly — often under pressure — and pushing back for a fairer amount. Insurers have a duty to settle claims fairly, but their first offer is not always their best.
A home improvement specialist or surveyor can provide an independent assessment of repair costs, helping you challenge a low settlement offer with evidence. This is particularly important for structural repairs, where a qualified professional can identify damage that might not be immediately visible.
A legal professional can help if your insurer is acting in bad faith, if your landlord is refusing to make repairs, or if you believe the fire resulted from negligence — either by a neighbour, a landlord, or a product manufacturer.
On Expert Zoom, you can consult a home improvement specialist or legal adviser online, without waiting weeks for an appointment.
Practical checklist: be ready before the next incident
You do not need to have experienced a fire to take action. A 20-minute review today can make a significant difference:
- Check that your smoke alarms are working and positioned on every floor
- Review your home insurance policy for fire exclusions and coverage gaps
- Register any e-bike or e-scooter with the manufacturer for recall alerts
- Identify a safe storage location for battery-powered devices away from exits
- Know your local council's emergency housing contact number
The Amsterdam fire is a dramatic reminder that fire risks are evolving as our homes fill with new technology. Being prepared — practically and legally — is the best protection.
