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.
