Many electrical products use lithium-ion batteries, which can spark devastating fires if damaged or even when they’re charged or used incorrectly.
In 2019 we recorded just one lithium-ion battery incident, by 2024 that annual number had risen to around 40, and now in just one month we are seeing total call-outs reach into the double-figures.
From Tadley to Cowes, and Southampton to Portsmouth, our areas saw blazes sparked by household devices such as strimmers, drills, power banks and e-scooters.
May’s warm weather saw many of us venture out into the garden, where we saw two incidents caused by strimmers.
In Cowes, two sheds were destroyed and another heavily damaged after a strimmer was left charging, highlighting the risks of leaving devices unattended whilst on charge.
Firefighters were called out after the battery part of a drill exploded whilst in use at a Gosport home.
We also saw fires sparked by overheated power banks as well as multiple e-scooter and e-bike blazes, including one in Eastleigh which spread to a nearby property.
And in Southampton, three tonnes of household waste was emptied onto the street in order for crews to extinguish a fire caused by a discarded lithium-ion battery, an important reminder to correctly dispose of your electronic products.
HIWFRS Assistant Director for Community Safety, James Lucy said:
“If handled or cared for incorrectly, and if they are of poor quality, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire very quickly.
“We are seeing more and more fires sparked by batteries so it is vital that we are all aware of the risks these products can present.
“To help keep everyone in your family safe, buy products from reputable retailers, use the correct charger, don’t leave it charging unattended or overnight, unplugging devices when they are at full capacity, and when you no longer need it, ensure your follow your local disposal guidance.”
To protect yourself, your family, and your home from fire, here are some top fire safety tips to keep in mind:
- Buy from reputable retailers and look for the UKCA or CE symbol on the product to ensure it is properly certified.
- You can be informed of dangerous goods and product recalls for electrical appliances by registering your items online.
- Ensure you always use the charger your device originally came with.
- Don’t overload your plug sockets or leave items on charge overnight/unattended.
- Keep an eye out for scorch marks, hot plugs or flickering lights as this could be a sign of dangerous wiring.
- If you’re looking to dispose of your electrical product, check your local waste guidance to safely throw away batteries.
Read more on our dedicated battery and chargers safety page.
