UK – Growing Concerns Over Lithium-Ion Battery Fires

May 13, 2026

Fire authorities across the UK are raising concerns over the growing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries, warning that safety regulations and public understanding have struggled to keep pace with the technology’s rapid expansion. Commonly used in rechargeable products such as smartphones, electric toothbrushes, vapes, toys, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries have become a routine part of everyday life, but they also present increasing fire risks.

New research by QBE Insurance, based on Freedom of Information requests sent to fire brigades across the UK, revealed that emergency services responded to 1,760 lithium-ion battery fires in 2025. This equates to almost five incidents every day, or roughly one fire every five hours. Compared with figures from three years ago, the number of battery-related fires has risen by 147%.

Electric bicycles have emerged as one of the biggest sources of concern, accounting for nearly one-third of all reported lithium-ion battery fires. QBE researchers observed that modified or converted e-bikes were involved in incidents more frequently than officially certified models. Fire crews attended 520 e-bike fires in 2025, a steep increase from 149 cases recorded in 2022.

London has experienced a particularly high number of these incidents. The London Fire Brigade handled almost half of all e-bike fires nationwide, attending 230 cases in the capital during the past year alone. Authorities also reported five deaths connected to e-bike fires in London over the last three years.

According to Spencer Sutcliff, deputy commissioner for prevention at the London Fire Brigade, officials remain deeply concerned about fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters. He emphasised the importance of public education and argued that stricter regulation could improve product safety, particularly in relation to unsafe or counterfeit batteries, chargers, and conversion kits sold online.

The risks associated with lithium-ion batteries stem largely from a process known as thermal runaway. If a battery becomes damaged or is used incorrectly, internal temperatures can rise uncontrollably, releasing toxic gases and generating highly intense flames. In some cases, the reaction may even lead to explosions. Fire experts note that these incidents are harder to control than conventional fires and can require significantly more water to extinguish.

Adrian Simmonds, a risk manager at QBE Insurance, explained that thermal runaway fires burn differently and often take longer to contain. He advised consumers to use certified batteries and e-bikes, avoid charging devices overnight, and ensure charging takes place away from exits or escape routes.

The problem extends beyond homes and transport. A major fire that damaged a historic building in Glasgow and forced the temporary closure of Central Station is believed to have started inside a vape shop, highlighting the wider risks posed by battery-powered products.

Researchers also found that nearly half of all lithium-ion battery fires—46%—occurred in residential properties. In addition, incorrect battery disposal has contributed to fires in refuse trucks and recycling facilities after batteries were discarded in ordinary bins instead of specialist recycling points, many of which are available in supermarkets. These incidents are estimated to cost more than £1 billion annually and have resulted in worker injuries.

The National Fire Chiefs Council stated that the figures reflect what fire services are already witnessing nationwide, particularly the disproportionate number of fires linked to poorly manufactured or modified e-bikes. Officials said greater collaboration between emergency services, government, and industry is underway, but stronger regulation and clearer public guidance are still urgently needed.

The Fire Brigades Union has also called for greater investment in firefighter training and protective equipment, citing concerns over toxic gases released during lithium-ion battery fires and the potential long-term health risks faced by emergency responders and the wider public.