TWO vehicles were destroyed after a lithium battery sparked a fire that ripped through a double garage in a village near Winchester this morning.
Crews from several stations were called to the blaze in Church Lane, Bramdean shortly before 8am.
It is understood the battery malfunctioned and caused an electric vehicle to catch fire while it was on charge.
Informed that there were a number of cylinders inside and a significant smoke plume emanating from the timber building further resources were requested to help with the operation.
The garage and the vehicles were severely damaged in the fire, which was extinguished by firefighters in breathing apparatus using jets and hose reels.
The stop message came in shortly before 10am with one crew returning later in the morning to conduct a reinspection and check for further hotspots.
A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: "Be careful when charging electrical items in your home, making sure they are safe to use by following the guidance on our website."
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