In an increasingly electrified world, lithium-ion batteries have become the heartbeat of modern convenience. Found in everything from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and commercial energy storage systems, they’re powering our homes, businesses, and even how we travel. But beneath their convenience lies a serious and growing concern of fire risk.
Across the UK, fire and rescue services are reporting a sharp rise in incidents linked to lithium batteries. These compact power units, while efficient, pose unique dangers that both domestic and commercial users must take seriously.
In this blog, we’ll examine the causes, the UK-specific fire statistics, prevention strategies for homeowners and business owners alike, and what to do when the worst happens. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or a facilities manager, understanding this growing threat could be the difference between safety and disaster.
What makes lithium-Ion batteries a fire hazard?
Lithium-ion batteries are great for their energy density and rechargeable nature, but those same qualities make them inherently volatile under certain conditions.
At the heart of the issue is thermal runaway. This is a self-sustaining chemical reaction that rapidly increases the battery’s temperature. If a battery cell is damaged, overcharged, or exposed to heat, this can ignite the flammable electrolyte inside, leading to fires that are not only intense but also emit toxic smoke and are difficult to extinguish with traditional fire suppression methods.
Unlike other household or industrial fires, those caused by lithium-ion batteries can reignite hours after the initial blaze, creating a persistent hazard even after the emergency services have intervened.
Lithium vs. lithium-Ion batteries: What’s the difference?
While often used interchangeably, lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries are not the same. Lithium batteries are single-use (non-rechargeable) and commonly found in devices like watches, remote controls, and smoke alarms. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable and used in smartphones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools. Both types can pose fire risks, but lithium-ion batteries are generally more volatile due to their higher energy density and the complexity of their internal components. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries also tend to be more severe and are a growing concern due to their widespread use and potential for improper charging or disposal.
UK fire statistics: A growing concern
The rise in lithium and lithium-ion battery usage has coincided with a worrying spike in fire incidents across the UK.
Statistics at a glance:
- In 2023, UK fire services responded to 921 lithium battery-related fires, up 46% from the previous year.
- E-bikes and e-scooters accounted for nearly one-third of these incidents.
- The London Fire Brigade reported 467 such fires in 2024, more than double the number from 2023.
- According to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), lithium batteries are responsible for 48% of waste fires, costing the UK economy over £158 million annually.
- Since 2020, 10 people have died, and 190 have been injured in the UK due to fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
These statistics highlight a trend that is not only escalating but also increasing in severity.
Lithium battery fires in homes
Lithium-ion batteries have become standard in UK homes, found in devices as common as vacuum cleaners, children’s toys, laptops, mobile phones, and increasingly, electric bikes and scooters. Unfortunately, this familiarity often leads to complacency. Common domestic risks include:
Overnight charging
Many fires begin at night when devices are left charging unattended. Chargers without automatic shut-off mechanisms or poor-quality components can overheat batteries and start fires while occupants are asleep.
Incompatible chargers
Using a charger that doesn’t match the battery’s specifications can lead to overcharging, voltage surges, or battery stress.
Charging in hazardous locations
Charging on soft furnishings, such as beds or sofas, can prevent heat dissipation and accelerate ignition in the event of battery failure.
DIY repairs and conversions
Unregulated battery modifications or homemade e-bike kits have been linked to several recent fire incidents.
Commercial and industrial fire risks
While domestic fires often garner media attention, the commercial risk is arguably more significant due to the scale of exposure and potential for business disruption.
Warehouses, logistics hubs, retail stores, and offices often store or use large quantities of lithium-powered equipment. From mobile scanners and laptops to battery storage systems and forklift batteries. Commercial scenarios at risk
Bulk battery storage
Improperly ventilated storage units or high-density battery shelves can act as accelerants during a fire.
Logistics and distribution
Couriers and delivery hubs handling returns or faulty products face added fire risk from damaged cells.
Retail environments
Shops selling or displaying lithium-powered devices are at risk, especially where chargers are plugged in for demonstration purposes.
Battery disposal and recycling: The silent risk
Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries is an underreported but major fire risk. When these batteries end up in household waste, they can ignite under pressure or when compacted in refuse trucks and waste facilities. The following proper battery disposal practices are recommended:
- Use dedicated battery recycling bins, commonly found in supermarkets, electronics retailers, and local authority recycling centres.
- Tape the terminals of used batteries before disposal to prevent accidental short circuits.
- Never dispose of damaged, swollen, or punctured batteries yourself. Instead, contact your local council for hazardous waste collection.
Regulatory response in the UK
The UK is responding to the rise in lithium battery fires through a combination of public awareness campaigns, updated guidance, and proposed legislative action. Some of the current measures include: Current Measures
- The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is working with manufacturers to ensure compliance with safe design standards.
- The National Fire Chiefs Council is lobbying for mandatory safety certification for e-bike batteries and chargers sold online.
- Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are under pressure to ban unregulated battery products or enforce stricter third-party seller policies.
Looking ahead, the government is expected to introduce legislation requiring clearer labelling, improved recycling infrastructure, and product recalls for non-compliant battery packs.
What next?
The convenience of lithium-ion batteries comes with very real risks. These risks are rapidly becoming more visible in both homes and workplaces throughout the UK. As usage continues to rise, it’s critical for individuals and businesses to understand the dangers, implement preventative measures, and be prepared to respond when incidents occur.
By remaining vigilant, staying informed, and engaging professional help when needed, we can significantly reduce the danger posed by these powerful yet volatile components of modern life.
Need expert help following a fire?
Whether you’ve experienced a lithium battery fire or want to proactively safeguard your property, Our certified fire damage restoration specialists respond fast, minimise disruption, and restore your home or business.
Contact us 24/7 for a no-obligation consultation or to speak with one of our restoration experts.
