Lithium-ion battery fires are an escalating public safety issue that now demands urgent attention from employers, facility managers and householders. Recent research shows UK fire services are attending roughly three lithium-ion battery fires per day, a 93% rise between 2022 and 2024. E-bikes, conversions and uncertified batteries are prominent contributors to the increase.
Why this matters
These fires are fast burning and difficult to extinguish. They produce intense heat and toxic smoke and can lead to rapid escalation inside buildings. In 2024 there were over 1,300 incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries, with e-bikes accounting for a sizeable portion of cases. A high profile house fire linked to a modified battery has renewed calls for regulation and public education on safe charging and storage.
Where risks arise
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Personal mobility devices and conversion kits bought online can be poorly manufactured or fitted with low-quality battery management systems.
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Charging batteries overnight or in confined spaces increases ignition risk.
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Storage of spare batteries near combustibles compounds danger.
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In workplaces, inadequate segregation of battery charging areas and absence of detection or suppression measures create site risk.
Practical controls
Organisations and households should adopt a layered approach. Controls include designated charging zones with ventilation and distance from escape routes, battery cabinets or fire-resistant storage, signage and training, and local procedures banning overnight unsupervised charging where possible. For larger sites, review fire detection and suppression capability for areas where batteries are stored or charged. Where procurement is concerned, favour tested, certified products and avoid uncertified conversion kits from unregulated marketplaces.
Regulatory and industry action
Industry bodies and insurers are urging greater regulation and public awareness. Fire services and insurers recommend public campaigns and tighter product standards to reduce the supply of substandard batteries. Organisations should track national guidance and update emergency plans accordingly.
The scale and speed of the rise in lithium-ion battery fires means that what was once a low-frequency risk is now a recurring safety hazard. Practical, low-cost controls will reduce the probability and severity of incidents, but coordinated action by industry, regulators and suppliers is also required.
Source: British Safety Council.
