The Growing Danger of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere in our modern world. They power the devices we use every day, including mobile phones, electric toothbrushes, toys, and vapes. They are also the power source for the growing number of electric bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles on our roads. While these batteries are useful, they have also created a new and serious safety risk. According to new data from the global business insurer QBE, fire brigades across the UK are now called to a lithium-ion battery fire roughly every five hours.

Research gathered by QBE shows that the problem is getting worse quickly. In 2025, fire services responded to 1,760 fires linked to these batteries. This is an increase of 147% over the last three years. The data, which includes information from 46 out of 52 fire brigades across the UK, highlights that these fires are not just a rare accident. They are becoming a common emergency that puts both people and property at risk.

One of the biggest concerns for fire experts is the rise of fires involving electric bikes, or ebikes. QBE researchers found that ebike fires made up nearly one-third of all lithium-ion battery fires across the country. The data shows that 520 such fires occurred in 2025, a large jump from 149 in 2022. Experts noted that ebikes that have been modified or converted by owners seem to be involved in more fires than certified, factory-made models. In London alone, the fire brigade dealt with 230 ebike fires last year, and there have been five deaths related to these incidents over the past three years.

When these batteries are damaged or used incorrectly, they can cause a dangerous process called thermal runaway. This is a chain reaction where the temperature inside the battery rises without control. It creates a toxic gas that comes out at high pressure, which can lead to a fire that acts like a blowtorch and may even cause an explosion. Adrian Simmonds, a risk manager at QBE, explained that these fires are very difficult to fight. He noted that they burn differently than regular fires and can require up to ten times more water to put out safely.

Beyond the danger to homes—where nearly half of all these fires occur—there is also a major problem with how people throw these batteries away. Many people put them in normal trash bins, which is dangerous. When these batteries end up in bin lorries or recycling plants, they can start serious fires. These incidents cause injuries to workers and cost the economy more than £1 billion every year. Experts strongly advise that people should recycle their old batteries at special collection points, such as those found at many supermarkets, instead of throwing them in the trash.

Fire officials are now calling for better government regulation to improve product safety. Spencer Sutcliff, a deputy commissioner for the London Fire Brigade, said that the brigade remains very concerned about the situation. He believes that new rules could help stop the sale of faulty or counterfeit products, such as cheap chargers or unsafe conversion kits, which are often sold on online marketplaces. A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council agreed, noting that the current findings match what they are seeing on the ground during their daily work.

While waiting for new laws, experts say that public awareness is the best way to stay safe. Adrian Simmonds suggests that people should only buy certified ebikes and batteries from trusted sellers. He also warns that people should never charge their devices near escape routes, such as front doors or hallways, and should avoid charging them overnight while they are sleeping. By following these simple steps, individuals can help reduce the risk of a dangerous fire in their own homes. As the number of electric vehicles on the road continues to grow, understanding how to use and store these powerful batteries safely has never been more important.