tech
Fire experts ‘kept awake’ over growing hazard of lithium-ion batteries
Fire service warns ubiquity of batteries in everyday products is outpacing public understanding and safety regulations
TL;DR
- Lithium-ion batteries pose a new, high-level technological hazard that concerns fire science experts.
- The increasing ubiquity of these batteries in everyday products is outpacing public understanding and safety regulations.
- There has been a sharp increase in battery-related fires across Scotland and London, with firefighters attending an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day in London.
- The hazard of lithium-ion battery fires is "very, very high" and different from traditional fires, breaching existing safety measures.
- Incorrect use or damage can lead to thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction resulting in toxic gas, high-pressure venting, and explosions.
- London fire brigade reported 206 e-bike and e-scooter fires in 2025, a significant increase from 2019.
- Incorrect disposal of lithium-ion batteries has resulted in serious fires in bin lorries and recycling plants, costing over £1bn annually.
- Concerns are raised that the increasing use of these batteries is moving faster than safety standards, with calls for stronger product safety rules and oversight of online sales.
- There appears to be a reluctance at government and industry levels to fully acknowledge and address these hazards.