National Fire Chiefs Council Shares Concerns Over Li-ion Battery Safety

Lithium-ion battery fires are rising rapidly across the UK, with e-bikes and other personal electric transport devices emerging as a major driver of incidents, according to data from insurers, fire services and national safety bodies. Figures obtained by QBE through Freedom of Information requests to UK fire services show a sharp increase in fires linked to battery-powered devices, raising growing concerns about public safety, regulation and consumer awareness.

Thermal Runway

At the centre of many incidents is “thermal runaway,” a process in which a battery overheats uncontrollably due to damage, over-charging, incorrect chargers or excessive heat. Once triggered, thermal runaway can lead to explosive fires.

Stronger Safety Standards

QBE and safety bodies including CLEAPSS have called for stronger safety standards and improved public awareness. CLEAPSS guidance highlights the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in e-bikes, e-scooters and cordless tools, particularly in schools. It advises using only manufacturer-approved chargers, clearly labelling matching batteries and chargers, and replacing damaged components through reputable suppliers. Damaged batteries should be isolated, stored in metal containers filled with dry sand, and monitored for temperature increases. Charging should take place in dry, well-ventilated areas away from fire exits and busy routes, with devices unplugged once fully charged. Batteries must never be disposed of in general waste and should be taken to approved recycling facilities.

The NFCC has urged the government to introduce mandatory product safety standards and third-party testing for personal light electric vehicles, strengthen regulation of online marketplaces, update Building Regulations to reflect charging and storage risks, and launch national public awareness campaigns. Fire chiefs have also highlighted the growing operational strain these incidents place on fire and rescue services.

Responding to the issue, the government launched the “Buy Safe, Be Safe” campaign in October 2024 to help consumers avoid unsafe products sold online. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, currently under parliamentary review, aims to strengthen safety standards for products sold in the UK.

As battery-powered devices continue to grow in popularity, insurers, fire services and safety organisations agree that improved regulation, clearer standards and widespread education are essential to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and protect lives, property and emergency responders.

Battery Fires

In 2024, e-bikes were involved in 362 recorded lithium-ion battery fires, accounting for 27% of all such incidents nationwide—double the number reported in 2022. This equates to UK fire services attending an e-bike fire almost every day. Fires involving electric scooters also rose by 32% between 2022 and 2024, while electric mobility scooter fires increased by 20%, posing particular risks to users with limited mobility who may struggle to evacuate quickly.

London was the most affected region, accounting for 31% of all lithium-ion battery fires and nearly half of all e-bike-related incidents in 2024. The London Fire Brigade attended 407 lithium-ion battery fires that year—more than four times the number recorded in any other region. Greater Manchester reported 100 incidents, followed by West Yorkshire with 94. Where locations were known, most fires occurred in residential properties, followed by outdoor areas and commercial premises.

Electric vehicle fires have also increased significantly, rising by 77% from 131 incidents in 2022 to 232 in 2024. Although the number of electric vehicles on UK roads has more than doubled over the same period, fires involving EVs remain a serious concern because lithium-ion batteries burn hotter, ignite faster and behave more unpredictably than conventional fires, increasing the risk of severe property damage, injury or death.

National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that the rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery use is outpacing safety standards. In a position statement on fire risks associated with emerging energy technologies, the NFCC said lithium-ion battery fires are complex, potentially explosive, and capable of releasing toxic gases and reigniting after being extinguished. Since 2023, at least six fatalities have been linked to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters. In 2024 alone, the Office for Product Safety and Standards received reports of 211 such fires, nearly half of which occurred indoors.