UK firefighters called to one lithium-ion battery fire every five hours

AI Summary

UK fire brigades have responded to lithium-ion battery fires at an alarming rate, with authorities reporting one incident every five hours. This trend has increased significantly, prompting concerns over public awareness and regulation.

FoI responses collected by insurer show brigades tackled 1,760 battery-linked fires in 2025, up 147% in three years Fire brigades across the UK are tackling lithium-ion battery fires at a rate of one every five hours, figures show, as fire chiefs warn that public awareness and government regulation have not kept pace with the ubiquity of this new hazard. Lithium-ion batteries power most rechargeable devices including mobile phones, electric toothbrushes, toys and vapes, as well as ebikes, e-scooters and electric vehicles. Continue reading...