In 2023 almost three fires a day were caused by battery-powered electrical devices.
In one such case, firefighters responded to a house fire, where an investigation found the cause of the fire was an e-bike.
Four residents suffered smoke inhalation injuries, three were hospitalised, and one was discharged at the scene. Due to the property being fire-damaged, they all had to be rehoused.
Lithium ion batteries can catch fire quickly and with little warning. They contain harmful chemicals, meaning it’s not just the fire, but the toxic fumes which can be fatal.
They’re commonly found in many devices such as;
• Smartphones
• E-cigarettes
• Laptops
• E-bikes
• E-scooters
• E-cars
How to reduce the risk of fire from battery-powered devices in your home;
• Always buy e-bikes and e-scooters from reputable retailers to ensure they meet British or European standards
• Never charge batteries e.g. mobile phones while you’re asleep
• Store and charge e-bikes or e-scooters in a separate room, with a working smoke detector and keep the door shut
• Always unplug chargers when the batteries are fully charged
• Don’t put batteries in your standard rubbish or recycling bins
• Don’t keep or charge any equipment, especially battery-powered electrical equipment, e.g. e-bikes and e-scooters, in communal areas. If they catch fire, they can block your escape route
• Don’t overload any plug socket, such as extension leads
• Test your smoke alarms at least every month.
Action to take
Check your devices for the lithium battery symbol, remove used batteries carefully from electrical equipment and recycle them.
Keep used batteries in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials.
Take used batteries to your local free recycling point. Properly recycled batteries reduce the risk of fire and explosion.