Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is issuing an important safety warning to residents following a rise in battery related fires over the past five years.
As of September this year the service has attended 55 battery related fires. In comparison, last year we attended 53 incidents, compared to 20 in 2022 and 13 in 2021. This number could rise year on year with the increased use of lithium-Ion batteries in everyday household items.
While these batteries power electronics from smartphones and laptops to e-bikes and electric vehicles, they also pose a serious fire risk if damaged, mishandled, or charged incorrectly. There is also risk of old batteries spontaneously combusting without warning.
These figures are a stark reminder of the growing risks as more people use devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode if they are damaged, improperly stored, or charged incorrectly. Fires caused by these batteries can spread quickly and be difficult to extinguish. In many cases, these incidents could have been avoided with greater awareness of safe handling and disposal practices.
SFRS advises all residents to take the following precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their property:
- Use the Right Charger: Always use the manufacturer-approved charger for your device, and avoid off-brand alternatives.
- Don’t Overcharge: Unplug devices once they’re fully charged to avoid overheating the battery.
- Store Safely: Store devices containing lithium-ion batteries away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, and flammable materials, as well as away from exits and hallways. This is particularly important when charging E-bikes and E-scooters, which are advised to be charged in an outside location away from the main means of escape from residential properties.
- Inspect for Damage: If your battery shows signs of swelling, leakage, or damage, stop using the device immediately and dispose of the battery safely.
- Dispose Properly: Never throw lithium-ion batteries in household waste. Dispose of them at dedicated recycling centres or designated drop-off points.
Station Commander Steve Love, who works within the Safeguarding, Fire Investigation and Environment (SaFE) Team, said: “Lithium-ion batteries come with risks. By taking simple precautions, we can prevent serious incidents and keep our communities safe. It’s crucial that everyone understands the potential dangers and knows how to handle these batteries safely.
“The safety of our residents is our top priority. We’ve seen first-hand the damage lithium-ion battery fires can cause. By raising awareness, we hope to reduce the number of incidents and keep Surrey safe.”
With the rise in incidents, SFRS will continue to work with local communities to spread awareness about lithium-ion battery safety and provide practical guidance on preventing fires. For more information, residents are encouraged to follow SFRS on social media or visit their website for further safety tips.
