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From Flooded to Fully Operational: A Rapid Retail Restoration Success Story

Overview

When a flooding incident affected a busy retail store on the Isle of Wight, ServiceMaster Restore was called upon to provide an immediate emergency response. Floodwater had impacted part of the premises, creating health and safety concerns and restricting access to a key area of the store.

With customer experience, staff wellbeing, and business continuity all at stake, our team was mobilised quickly to deliver professional flood cleanup, water extraction, and sanitisation services. The goal was simple: restore the affected area safely and efficiently so normal operations could resume as soon as possible.

Key Objectives

The project focused on achieving several critical outcomes:

  • Respond rapidly to minimise disruption.
  • Remove floodwater from the affected area.
  • Clean and sanitise all impacted surfaces.
  • Ensure the environment was safe for customers and employees.
  • Help the retailer restore access to the affected section of the store.
  • Support business continuity and minimise downtime.

Our Approach

Upon receiving the call, our specialist restoration team responded immediately and attended site without delay.

Following an assessment of the affected area, we implemented a tailored flood restoration plan that included:

  • Emergency water extraction to remove floodwater quickly and effectively.
  • Professional cleaning of all affected flooring and surfaces.
  • Comprehensive sanitisation to ensure cleanliness and safety.
  • Final inspections to confirm the area was ready for reoccupation and use.

By combining rapid response with expert restoration knowledge, we were able to restore the affected area efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety.

Impact and Results

Our swift action enabled the customer to regain use of the affected section of the store in a short timeframe.

The key outcomes included:

  • Safe re-opening of the affected area.
  • Reduced disruption to trading activities.
  • A clean and sanitised environment for staff and customers.
  • Improved confidence that all flood-related contamination risks had been properly addressed.
  • Minimal operational downtime during the restoration process.

The retailer was able to continue welcoming customers with the reassurance that the affected area had been professionally restored and made safe for use.

Client Feedback

At ServiceMaster Restore, we understand that experiencing water damage or flood in a customer facing premises can compromise customer and employee safety as well as cost the business and brand both commercially and in their local reputation. Our trained restoration technicians combine specialist expertise with speed, customer-focused approach to help make the recovery process as straightforward as possible.

The customer highlighted the professionalism, efficiency and helpfulness of the team throughout the project, reinforcing our commitment to delivering expert restoration services alongside exceptional customer care.

We were extremely impressed with the speed of response and professionalism shown throughout the project. The team acted quickly, communicated clearly, and ensured the affected area was cleaned and sanitised to a high standard, allowing us to reopen the space with confidence.”

Flooding incidents can have a significant impact on retail environments, affecting safety, customer experience, and operational performance. Through a rapid emergency response and expert flood restoration services, ServiceMaster Restore helped this retail business recover quickly and safely.

Whether dealing with flood damage, water ingress, burst pipes, or emergency cleanup situations, our experienced teams provide fast, effective restoration solutions that minimise disruption and help businesses return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

Looking for a local Flood or Water Damage Restoration Service You Can Rely On?

If your home or business has been affected by fire, smoke or soot damage, ServiceMaster Restore can provide rapid-response fire damage restoration, smoke cleaning and specialist property restoration services to help you recover quickly and safely.

If you’re local to the Newbury and Reading area, contact your local ServiceMaster Restore team to arrange a professional assessment and tailored restoration plan on 02392 838 383 or enquire online at: https://servicemasterrestore.co.uk/havant-petersfield/ and our dedicated experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Fire Damage Restoration Completed in Just One Week with Minimal Disruption

Overview

Following a fire at a domestic property, the customer began searching online for a specialist fire damage restoration company to help return her home to a safe and usable condition.

After contacting a provider who required access to external power and water supplies to complete the restoration work, the customer continued her search and discovered ServiceMaster Restore. Influenced by our outstanding customer reviews and reputation for delivering high-quality restoration services, she contacted our team to discuss her requirements.

Key Objectives

The customer’s priority was to have the fire damage cleaned and restored as quickly as possible, while minimising disruption to her daily life.

With redecoration works already planned, it was important that the property was professionally cleaned and prepared within a convenient timeframe, allowing the next stage of restoration to begin without delay.

Project Objectives

  • Remove fire and smoke contamination from affected areas
  • Complete the clean-up quickly and efficiently
  • Minimise disruption to the household
  • Prepare the property for redecoration
  • Deliver a professional and stress-free customer experience

Our Approach

After assessing the property, we provided options for both contents disposal and specialist fire damage cleaning. The customer opted to arrange contents disposal independently, so a tailored quotation was prepared for the fire and smoke restoration work only.

Once the quotation was approved by the insurer, we immediately offered our earliest available restoration date.

Although the customer would be away from the property for part of the scheduled day, our technicians were able to continue the work without requiring access to the home. Thanks to our self-sufficient restoration vehicles, which carry their own water supply and utilise powerful truck-mounted equipment, we were able to complete the work independently without relying on the property’s utilities.

This flexibility enabled us to schedule and complete the project within a week of approval.

Results and Timelines

From initial enquiry to project completion, the restoration was delivered quickly, professionally and with minimal inconvenience to the customer. Our restoration services were completed within a week.

Key Outcomes

  • Restoration work scheduled within one week of approval
  • Specialist fire and smoke cleaning completed efficiently
  • No requirement for external power or water supplies
  • Minimal disruption to the homeowner
  • Property left clean, safe and ready for redecoration

A key advantage for the customer was our ability to operate independently of site utilities. Unlike some restoration providers, our self-contained vehicles and truck-mounted equipment meant the work could proceed without impacting the household or delaying progress.

The result was a smooth and convenient restoration process that helped the customer move forward with the next stage of repairing and redecorating their home.

Client Feedback

At ServiceMaster Restore, we understand that experiencing fire damage can be an emotional and stressful time. Our trained restoration technicians combine specialist expertise with a compassionate, customer-focused approach to help make the recovery process as straightforward as possible.

The customer highlighted the professionalism, efficiency and helpfulness of the team throughout the project, reinforcing our commitment to delivering expert restoration services alongside exceptional customer care.

” I was absolutely blown away by the fantastic work the boys did on the garage! Every employee we spoke to was kind, helpful, and empathetic to the situation. I feel very lucky to have found this brilliant company.- Mrs K

Looking for a local Fire Damage Restoration Service You Can Rely On?

If your home or business has been affected by fire, smoke or soot damage, ServiceMaster Restore can provide rapid-response fire damage restoration, smoke cleaning and specialist property restoration services to help you recover quickly and safely.

If you’re local to the Newbury and Reading area, contact your local ServiceMaster Restore team to arrange a professional assessment and tailored restoration plan on 0800 7837713 or enquire online at: https://servicemasterrestore.co.uk/newbury/ and our dedicated experts will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Thunderstorms Are Here: Why Fast Flood Restoration Matters

After weeks of hot, dry weather, thunderstorms and heavy rain are now impacting parts of the UK.

For homeowners and businesses, this has increased the risk of flash flooding and water damage.

Preparation is key: clear drains, check gutters, and move vulnerable items off the ground.

However, if water enters your property, what you do afterwards is equally important. This is where professional flood restoration services play a crucial role.

Why Flood Damage Spreads So Quickly

Floodwater rarely remains confined to its initial location.

It can seep underneath floors, behind skirting boards, into plaster, insulation, and wall cavities.

In commercial properties, it might also affect stock, equipment, documents, and electrical systems. The visible water is just one aspect of the issue.

Even if a room appears much improved after standing water is removed, moisture can still be trapped within the structure. Leaving moisture inside increases the risk of mould, damaged plaster, warped flooring, and other secondary damages.

Water Extraction Is Only the First Step

ServiceMaster Restore employs specialist water extraction equipment to remove standing water from affected properties as quickly as possible.

However, this is only the first stage of the restoration process. Once technicians remove the visible water, they assess how far moisture has travelled and which materials have absorbed it.

Water can move beneath flooring and screed, soak into plaster and timber, enter wall cavities, affect insulation, and remain trapped within subfloors or other hidden areas.

Identifying these moisture pockets is essential because a surface can look dry while the structure underneath is still holding water.

By understanding exactly where moisture remains, the drying process can target the affected areas properly rather than relying on guesswork.

Why Professional Drying Matters

Opening windows and increasing the heating can make a room seem drier, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the property is dry.

Professional flood restoration employs controlled drying tools like air movers and dehumidifiers, combined with moisture monitoring, to effectively extract water from building materials.

This process is crucial after flash flooding, as water can quickly seep into hidden areas. Proper drying minimises mould growth and reduces the need to replace affected materials.

What About Contaminated Floodwater?

Floodwater that enters from outside might carry dirt, bacteria, sewage, or other pollutants.

Drying the affected materials alone may not render them safe.

ServiceMaster Restore can evaluate the contamination level and determine whether specialist cleaning, decontamination, or removal is necessary.

Carpets, soft furnishings, and other porous items can absorb contaminated water rapidly, making early assessment crucial.

Why Dry Ground Can Increase Flash Flooding

After an extended period of hot, dry weather, the ground often becomes hard and compacted.

In certain conditions, very dry soil may even develop a water-repellent layer.

When heavy rain occurs suddenly, the soil struggles to absorb it quickly, causing the water to flow over the surface toward roads, drains, driveways, and low-lying areas. If drainage systems are already overwhelmed, water can accumulate rapidly.

This is why intense storms following a heatwave significantly increase the risk of flash flooding.

Protecting What Can Be Saved

Flood restoration isn’t always about completely stripping everything and starting over.

Acting swiftly can help preserve flooring, furniture, documents, stock, and other materials that might otherwise require replacement.

Professional drying also reduces the need to remove plaster, timber, and flooring unnecessarily.

For homeowners, this results in less disruption. For businesses, it can mean safeguarding stock, equipment, and crucial areas to maintain operations.

Flood Restoration for Commercial Properties

For businesses, water damage introduces a secondary challenge: downtime.

A flood in a warehouse, office, retail store, or healthcare facility can rapidly impact staff, customers, inventory, and daily operations.

ServiceMaster Restore supports commercial properties with water extraction, drying, dehumidification, building stabilisation, and comprehensive restoration services.

When feasible, affected sections can be isolated to allow safe areas to remain functional. This approach can be crucial when shutting down the entire building is not a practical option.

Support Beyond Drying

Flood damage recovery extends beyond simply removing water.

After drying the property, repairs might be needed for flooring, electrical systems, plumbing, roofing, etc.

ServiceMaster Restore can assist throughout the entire recovery process and collaborate with insurers, brokers, and loss adjusters as needed. This ensures clear communication and helps progress restoration efforts without the property owner having to manage each step alone.

24/7 Help When Flooding Happens

Storms and floods can occur unexpectedly.

ServiceMaster Restore offers round-the-clock emergency response for flood and water damage, available 24/7, year-round.

Our teams assess damage, extract water, detect hidden moisture, initiate professional drying, and work to prevent further issues.

The Storm Has Passed. Should You Still Call?

Yes, if you suspect water has entered your property.

Look out for:

  • Damp or musty smells
  • Water marks
  • Bubbling paint
  • Warped flooring
  • Damp skirting boards
  • Changes to plaster
  • Mould appearing after the event

Don’t assume the problem has gone away just because the visible water has disappeared.

How ServiceMaster Restore Can Help

ServiceMaster Restore specialises in flood damage restoration for homes and businesses throughout the UK.

Our team handles everything from initial assessments and water extraction to professional drying, decontamination, mould prevention, claims assistance, and repairs, supporting you throughout the recovery process.

After a flood, removing visible water is only the first step.

Next, we ensure your property is dried, safe, and restored to its normal condition. If your home or business has been affected by flooding, contact ServiceMaster Restore at 0800 021 3970. We are available 24/7, year-round.

Or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help today.

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Commercial Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration in Devon: Helping a Brixham Restaurant Get Back on Track

When a fire affects a commercial property, the damage rarely stops where the flames started. Smoke, soot, odour and hidden contamination can quickly spread through connected spaces, disrupting operations and delaying the route back to business as usual. For hospitality venues in particular, every day closed can mean lost revenue, cancelled bookings and pressure on staff, suppliers and customers.

This was the challenge facing a restaurant in Brixham, after a kitchen fire left the restaurant heavily affected by smoke and soot. Because ServiceMaster was already supporting the group with floorcare at another site, and because our reactive cleaning and restoration services had been proactively communicated, the client knew exactly who to call when the unexpected happened.

The Challenge: Smoke and Soot Damage Across the Venue

Although the fire originated in the kitchen, an open feature hatch connected the kitchen directly to the restaurant area. This allowed smoke and soot to travel throughout the venue, affecting walls, ceilings, floors, the bar, tables, windows, lighting, pots, pans, utensils, glassware and other contents.

For restaurants and hospitality businesses, fire and smoke damage cleaning needs to be handled carefully and in the right order. Soot residues can continue to affect surfaces and contents after the fire has been extinguished, while odours and airborne particles can make a space unsuitable for reopening until specialist cleaning and decontamination work has taken place.

Our Objectives: Reduce Disruption and Support a Safe Recovery

From the outset, the priority was to minimise business interruption, reduce the risk of cross-contamination and prepare the restaurant for reinstatement. The team needed to clear and clean affected items, decontaminate structural surfaces and ensure the space was handed back ready for decorators and the next stage of recovery.

A Structured Approach to Fire Damage Cleaning

To keep the project moving efficiently, the team created an on-site clean room where small wares and glassware could be cleaned and sanitised first. This helped clear valuable floor space and allowed the structural cleaning work to progress in a more organised way.

The kitchen deep clean was deliberately delayed until the fire-damaged canopy had been inspected and dismantled. This sequencing was important because cleaning too early could have resulted in further soot fallout and re-contamination of completed work. By advising on the correct order of works, ServiceMaster helped protect the quality and efficiency of the restoration process.

High-level areas were HEPA vacuumed before dry-sponging and chemical wet-washing were carried out to prepare walls and surfaces for redecoration. Upholstery coverings were laundered, and the main crystal chandelier was carefully hand-cleaned component by component.

Technical Advice Beyond the Clean

Fire restoration is not just about visible cleaning. Smoke exposure can affect equipment, electrical systems and sensitive assets. As part of the project, the team recommended full electrical testing for kitchen machinery and advised that smoke-exposed EPOS systems should be written off due to the risk of future corrosion and operational failure.

The Result: A Clean, Odour-Free Space Ready for Reinstatement

The project was completed in 15 days on-site, with an additional day for final snagging. The restaurant was handed back clean, odour-free and ready for decorators to begin the next stage of reinstatement.

Verbal feedback from The Greenway Group was excellent, with the client highlighting the speed of response, the daily pace of work and the practical technical advice provided throughout the project.

Why Fast Response Matters After Commercial Fire Damage

For businesses across Devon and the South West, having a trusted specialist cleaning and restoration provider already in place can make a significant difference when the unexpected happens. A fast, structured response helps limit secondary damage, reduce downtime and give business owners a clearer route forward after fire, smoke or soot contamination.

Whether you operate a restaurant, hospitality venue, office, retail unit or commercial premises, fire and smoke damage restoration requires more than a standard clean. It calls for specialist knowledge, the right equipment and a team that understands how to protect your property, your assets and your ability to reopen safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Smoke Damage Cleaning

What does commercial fire damage cleaning involve?

Commercial fire damage cleaning can include soot removal, smoke residue cleaning, odour control, contents cleaning, surface decontamination, specialist drying where required and preparation of affected areas for reinstatement or redecoration.

Why is smoke damage dangerous after a fire?

Smoke and soot residues can spread beyond the original fire area and settle on surfaces, contents and equipment. If not treated properly, they can contribute to lingering odours, surface staining, corrosion risks and contamination concerns.

How quickly should a business arrange fire restoration cleaning?

Businesses should arrange specialist fire restoration cleaning as soon as it is safe to access the property. Early intervention can help reduce secondary damage, limit disruption and support a faster, more controlled recovery process.

Need Support After Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?

If your business has been affected by fire, smoke or soot damage, ServiceMaster can help you take the next step with confidence. Our teams provide specialist cleaning, restoration and reactive support for commercial premises, helping you protect your property, reduce disruption and move towards reopening safely.

Contact your local ServiceMaster team to discuss fire and smoke damage restoration for your commercial property.

If your commercial or domestic property has been struck by fire and you’re not sure what to do, contact your local ServiceMaster Restore at 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest branch to learn how we can help. For the communities and fellow business owners in Devon, reach out to your local trusted partners on office@smcdevon.co.uk or call the team on 01395 350065.

Flash Flooding After a Heatwave: Why the Risk Can Increase

After weeks of hot, dry weather, heavy rain might seem like just what we need. However, when rain finally comes, the ground might not be prepared.

Prolonged heat can make soil very dry and compacted, and summer thunderstorms can bring a large volume of rain in a short time.

Combining these conditions means water may flow over the surface faster than it can seep into the ground or drain away.

This often results in sudden surface water and flash floods, even in areas that haven’t seen much rain for weeks.

So, why can flash flooding after a heatwave become such a problem, and how can you protect your home or business from it?

Why dry ground can increase the risk of flooding

It might seem contradictory that dry ground could resist rain absorption.

While dry soil typically soaks up water, prolonged hot, dry periods can change that. Heat boosts evaporation and depletes moisture from the ground.

The Met Office has pointed out that sustained warm weather can quickly dry out soils and vegetation, as seen during the UK’s repeated hot spells in 2026.

Extremely dry soil can become hard, compacted, and sometimes water-repellent. When heavy rain suddenly hits such a surface, the soil may struggle to absorb it quickly.

As a result, water flows over the surface. In lawns, fields, or gardens, this often leads to pooling, and over larger areas, water can flow toward roads, drains, low-lying land, and properties.

Why heavy rain after hot weather can be so intense

The ground’s story is just part of the picture. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture; for example, the Met Office states that each 1°C rise in temperature allows air to contain about 7% more water.

This increase can lead to heavier rainfall and a higher chance of flash flooding under suitable weather conditions.

Summer thunderstorms are often highly localised, with one town experiencing only a brief shower, while a nearby area faces heavy rain.

Additionally, such rain can occur rapidly, with thunderstorms releasing large amounts of water in a short time rather than spreading steady rainfall throughout the day.

This rapid influx can overwhelm drainage systems.

What is flash flooding?

Flash flooding occurs rapidly after heavy rainfall.

The Met Office defines it as short-term flooding caused by heavy rain, especially when poor drainage prevents water from escaping.

Unlike river floods, there’s often little time to prepare. Roads can flood, drains may overflow, and water can quickly threaten homes and businesses.

Its sudden onset makes flash flooding particularly challenging to manage.

Urban areas can be particularly vulnerable

Consider how much of a town or city’s surfaces cannot absorb water at all.

Roads, pavements, car parks, roofs, and concrete yards all repel water instead of soaking it up.

Rainfall on these surfaces needs to drain away, usually through drains; however, after dry periods, debris like leaves and dust can clog them.

When drains are blocked or overwhelmed by heavy rain, water can pool rapidly. Basements, underground parking, ground-floor properties, and buildings on slopes are especially at risk.

What does this mean for your home?

You don’t need to live near a river to face flood damage.

Surface water can seep in through doors, air bricks, garages, and other low points around your property.

Heavy rain can also reveal issues with your roof, gutters, and drainage systems.

Before a thunderstorm, it’s a good idea to:

  • Check that gutters and downpipes are clear
  • Outside drains are unblocked
  • Valuable items aren’t stored directly on the floor in vulnerable areas
  • Make sure doors, windows, and other potential entry points are in good condition
  • Know how to safely shut off utilities if needed.
  • Keep your insurance and emergency contacts readily accessible.

Spending just a few minutes on these checks could make a big difference if heavy rain strikes.

What about commercial properties?

For businesses, flash flooding can quickly turn into an operational challenge.

Water intrusion into warehouses, offices, shops, healthcare facilities, or industrial sites can damage stock, equipment, electrical systems, and building materials.

Even a small area of flooding may force partial closures. Therefore, facilities managers should include flash flood preparedness in summer emergency plans, especially after prolonged dry spells.

  • Inspect external drainage systems
  • Loading zones, basements, and lower levels.
  • Anticipate where surface water might flow during heavy rain
  • Additionally, review the storage locations of valuable equipment, records, and stock
  • Most critically, ensure staff know who to contact if water enters the premises

What should you do if flash flooding reaches your property?

Safety is the top priority.

  • Avoid entering floodwaters if there are electrical risks, contamination, or hidden hazards underneath.
  • If it is safe, take photographs of the damage and contact your insurer promptly.
  • Arrange for a professional assessment of water damage quickly.

After the visible water has been removed, moisture can still remain beneath flooring, behind walls, and within other building materials.

Ignoring this moisture can cause additional damage and promote mould growth.

The weather can change quickly

A common mistake during a heatwave is assuming flooding isn’t a concern.

While hot, dry conditions can lead to thunderstorms, this isn’t always certain.

When heavy rain hits after a dry spell, the risk of surface water flooding rises because the dry ground, hard surfaces, and overwhelmed drains can’t absorb the water quickly.

The Met Office has warned that heavy rain on very dry ground can cause sudden flash floods, as the water can’t soak in fast enough.

After a heatwave, monitor the forecast carefully. If thunderstorms or heavy rain are forecasted, use the warning to prepare appropriately.

How ServiceMaster Restore can help after flash flooding

When floodwater damages a property, removing standing water is just the first step.

ServiceMaster Restore offers expert flood and water damage restoration for homes and businesses throughout the UK.

Our teams evaluate the damage, detect moisture that may have penetrated beneath floors or into walls, and implement the necessary drying techniques.

Specialised drying and moisture monitoring are especially crucial after flash flooding, as surfaces like floors or walls might seem dry while moisture remains trapped inside.

Addressing this promptly helps prevent secondary damage, mould growth, and reduces the materials that need replacement. For commercial sites, minimising downtime is critical.

We contain affected zones and support the restoration so parts of the building can resume operation safely. We also collaborate with insurers, brokers, and loss adjusters when needed, documenting damage and managing the restoration from initial response to recovery.

If your home or business has experienced flash flooding or water damage, contact ServiceMaster Restore at 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest branch to learn how we can help.

Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: How to Stay Safe

Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life. They power our phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, and countless other devices that make modern life more convenient.

Most of the time, they are perfectly safe.

However, when something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Fire and rescue services across the UK are responding to an increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires each year, particularly those involving e-bikes and e-scooters. These fires develop rapidly, burn at extremely high temperatures, and can cause significant damage to homes and commercial properties.

Understanding the risks is the first step towards preventing them.

Where Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Found?

Many people only think about the battery in their mobile phone, but lithium-ion batteries are now found in a wide range of products.

Common examples include:

  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Laptops
  • Smart watches
  • Power banks
  • Cordless vacuum cleaners
  • Cordless power tools
  • E-bikes
  • E-scooters
  • Electric wheelchairs
  • Garden equipment
  • Drones
  • Cameras
  • Electric vehicles

Many homes and businesses now have dozens of lithium-ion batteries charging every day without giving them a second thought.

Why Are Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Different?

Unlike many other types of fire, lithium-ion battery fires generate their own fuel as they develop.

When a battery becomes damaged or overheats, it can enter a state known as thermal runaway.

This is a rapid chain reaction inside the battery. Heat causes the internal components to break down. As they do so, they release more heat, which causes further breakdown.

The process accelerates quickly.

Some lithium-ion battery fires can exceed temperatures of 1,000°C, making them extremely difficult to control.

Unlike many fires, they can continue burning because chemical reactions inside the battery release oxygen. This means the fire does not rely entirely on oxygen from the surrounding air to sustain itself.

What Causes Lithium-Ion Battery Fires?

Several factors can trigger thermal runaway.

These include:

  • Physical damage after being dropped
  • Punctures or crushing
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Overcharging
  • Using incompatible chargers
  • Poor-quality replacement batteries
  • Exposure to excessive heat

In many cases, the warning signs appear before the fire starts.

Signs a Battery Could Be Failing

It is worth paying attention if a battery starts behaving differently.

Warning signs include:

  • Swelling or bulging
  • Excessive heat while charging
  • Strange smells
  • Hissing or popping noises
  • Smoke
  • Leaking fluid
  • Reduced battery performance

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the device immediately and move it to a safe location if it is safe to do so.

Never continue charging a damaged battery.

Why Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Are So Dangerous

The flames themselves are only part of the risk.

These fires can produce toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and hydrogen fluoride, which pose serious health hazards.

They can also reignite. Even after the visible flames have been extinguished, heat trapped within the damaged battery can trigger another fire hours later.

This is one reason why professional assessment following a lithium-ion battery fire is so important.

How to Reduce the Risk

While lithium-ion batteries cannot be made completely risk-free, simple precautions significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire.

Use the Correct Charger

Always use the charger supplied by the manufacturer or one specifically approved for the device.

Cheap, untested chargers may not regulate power correctly.

Avoid Overcharging

Unplug devices once they are fully charged where possible.

Avoid leaving batteries charging overnight unless the manufacturer specifically states this is safe.

Charge in a Safe Location

Keep charging devices away from escape routes, soft furnishings, combustible materials, and direct sunlight.

Avoid charging e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways or near front doors, where they could block an escape route if a fire starts.

Protect Batteries from Damage

Dropping a battery-powered device does not always cause immediate failure.

Damage inside the battery may not become obvious until later.

If a battery has suffered a significant impact, inspect it carefully before continuing to use it.

Buy Quality Products

Choose products that meet recognised UK safety standards.

Counterfeit batteries and chargers often lack the protection systems found in genuine products.

What Should You Do If a Battery Starts Smoking?

If a battery begins smoking, hissing, or catching fire:

  • Move away immediately if it is safe to do so.
  • Evacuate the building if necessary.
  • Call 999.
  • Do not attempt to dismantle the battery.
  • Warn others to stay clear of the area.

Do not assume the danger has passed once the flames are out. Lithium-ion batteries can reignite without warning.

Fire Damage Doesn’t End When the Fire Is Out

A lithium-ion battery fire can cause extensive damage in a short space of time.

Smoke and soot spread rapidly throughout a property. The heat generated can damage nearby materials, while firefighting efforts often cause significant water damage.

Professional restoration helps address these issues, including smoke contamination, water damage, odour removal, structural drying, and cleaning affected areas.

How ServiceMaster Restore Can Help

If your home or business has been affected by a lithium-ion battery fire, ServiceMaster Restore is here to help.

Our experienced restoration teams respond quickly to assess the full extent of the damage, including fire, smoke, soot, and water damage caused during firefighting efforts. We use specialist equipment to clean, deodorise, dry, and restore affected areas, helping to prevent secondary damage and return your property to a safe condition as quickly as possible.

We also work closely with homeowners, businesses, insurers, brokers, and loss adjustors, providing clear communication and expert support throughout the restoration process.

If your property has been affected by fire damage, call 0800 021 3970 or find your nearest ServiceMaster Restore business to see how we can help.