Residents urged to be vigilant as fires in home due to battery malfunctions rise
We are warning residents to be alert to the potential dangers of charging lithium-Ion batteries at home, following an alarming rise in fires caused by malfunctioning devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that power our everyday items, including mobile phones, laptops, mobility scooters, e-scooters, and vapes.
Most of the time, these batteries are safe and charge without issue. However, if stored, used, or charged incorrectly, or if they are damaged, they can pose a major risk to life. Overheating batteries can violently combust, quickly setting fire to surrounding materials, and are particularly difficult to extinguish. They also release toxic fumes when burning.
There have been over 300 incidents of lithium battery related damage reported across the country in the past year, with a family in Kibblesworth recently suffering a large bedroom fire due to a battery powered vape exploding when charging. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
Councillor John Adams, cabinet member for housing, said:
"We all use devices that contain rechargeable batteries every day, yet so few of us are fully aware of the potential dangers they present if the proper precautions are not considered, and the destruction they can cause should something go wrong."
"It's important we get the right message out there so people can enjoy these items responsibly and safely."
We have worked closely with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on this issue, to prepare a series top tip you can follow at home to help stay safe:
- always use the charger that came with your product. Poor quality chargers can damage batteries and increase the risk of fire
- follow the manufacturer's instructions to charge batteries and unplug when the charge is complete
- never leave a charger plugged in overnight or unattended
- only choose branded, genuine products from a reputable retailer
- avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
- ensure you regularly check batteries for signs of damage
- if a battery is not holding charge, gets hot, bulges or you hear hissing noises when charging, unplug immediately
- always charge e-bikes/e-scooters clear of exits and your escape routes so you can easily escape in the event of a fire
- never cover chargers or battery packs as this could lead to overheating or a fire
- install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the areas where you store or charge your e-bike/e-scooter
- if there are any evident signs of fire such as the battery smoking or flames, raise the alarm immediately, get out, stay out and call 999
You can get further advice and guidance on fire safety within your home from the prevention and education team at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 032 7777, and Gateshead Council's Fire Safety team by emailing firesafety@gateshead.gov.uk.
We are warning residents to be alert to the potential dangers of charging lithium-Ion batteries at home, following an alarming rise in fires caused by malfunctioning devices.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that power our everyday items, including mobile phones, laptops, mobility scooters, e-scooters, and vapes.
Most of the time, these batteries are safe and charge without issue. However, if stored, used, or charged incorrectly, or if they are damaged, they can pose a major risk to life. Overheating batteries can violently combust, quickly setting fire to surrounding materials, and are particularly difficult to extinguish. They also release toxic fumes when burning.
There have been over 300 incidents of lithium battery related damage reported across the country in the past year, with a family in Kibblesworth recently suffering a large bedroom fire due to a battery powered vape exploding when charging. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
Councillor John Adams, cabinet member for housing, said:
"We all use devices that contain rechargeable batteries every day, yet so few of us are fully aware of the potential dangers they present if the proper precautions are not considered, and the destruction they can cause should something go wrong."
"It's important we get the right message out there so people can enjoy these items responsibly and safely."
We have worked closely with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on this issue, to prepare a series top tip you can follow at home to help stay safe:
- always use the charger that came with your product. Poor quality chargers can damage batteries and increase the risk of fire
- follow the manufacturer's instructions to charge batteries and unplug when the charge is complete
- never leave a charger plugged in overnight or unattended
- only choose branded, genuine products from a reputable retailer
- avoid storing, using, or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
- ensure you regularly check batteries for signs of damage
- if a battery is not holding charge, gets hot, bulges or you hear hissing noises when charging, unplug immediately
- always charge e-bikes/e-scooters clear of exits and your escape routes so you can easily escape in the event of a fire
- never cover chargers or battery packs as this could lead to overheating or a fire
- install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the areas where you store or charge your e-bike/e-scooter
- if there are any evident signs of fire such as the battery smoking or flames, raise the alarm immediately, get out, stay out and call 999
You can get further advice and guidance on fire safety within your home from the prevention and education team at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 032 7777, and Gateshead Council's Fire Safety team by emailing firesafety@gateshead.gov.uk.
