UK firefighters called to one lithium-ion battery fire every five hours
Summary
UK fire brigades responded to a lithium-ion battery fire about every five hours in 2025, with a sharp rise in incidents linked to electric bikes and vehicles. Fire experts say public knowledge and government rules have not kept up with the risks of these batteries, which can catch fire if damaged or used incorrectly.Key Facts
- There were 1,760 fires related to lithium-ion batteries in the UK in 2025, a 147% increase over three years.
- Electric vehicle fires increased by 133% while the number of electric vehicles on UK roads tripled in the same time.
- E-bike fires made up nearly one-third of all lithium-ion battery fires, with 520 incidents in 2025 versus 149 in 2022.
- London’s fire brigade handled 44% of e-bike fires, with five deaths related to these fires in the past three years.
- Lithium-ion batteries can cause “thermal runaway,” a dangerous chain reaction that leads to intense, hard-to-control fires.
- Almost half of these battery fires happened in people’s homes.
- Improper disposal of these batteries has caused serious fires in rubbish trucks and recycling centers, costing over £1 billion annually.
- Fire chiefs urge better public awareness, stricter regulations, and use of certified products to reduce fire risks.
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