Fire Chiefs warn UK safety standards lag behind lithium-ion battery risks

Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning over the growing dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, as their widespread use in household appliances, e-bikes, e-scooters and other personal light electric vehicles (PLEVs) outpaces current safety standards.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) said lithium-ion battery fires are complex, can reignite after being extinguished, and release toxic gases, putting the public, property, the environment, and firefighters at increasing risk.

Publishing new recommendations, the NFCC called on the Government to act urgently to close regulatory gaps. The council wants enforceable product safety rules, tighter controls on online sales, improved battery disposal systems, public education campaigns, and investment in research to better equip fire and rescue services for these incidents.

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the NFCC, said: “The fire risks linked to these familiar products are evolving far faster than the safety standards designed to protect us. When things go wrong with lithium-ion batteries the consequences can be devastating, and tragically, lives have already been lost.”

Since 2023, at least six fatalities have been linked to fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, highlighting gaps in safety awareness and regulation. NFCC warned that the operational pressures on fire and rescue services are rising as incidents become more frequent. Between January 2021 and September 2023, government incident records identified 139 fires mentioning e-bikes and 124 mentioning e-scooters, though NFCC believes the true scale is significantly higher. London Fire Brigade alone attended 179 such fires in 2023.

The council welcomed the Product Safety and Metrology Act 2025, which grants the Government powers to introduce enforceable safety rules for products including e-bikes and e-scooters, but stressed urgent action is still required to use these powers effectively.

“Fire and rescue services are the first line of defence when these batteries fail, facing fires that are incredibly complex and dangerous to tackle. They need stronger protection, clear standards, and better tools from government and industry to continue safeguarding people and property as these batteries become ever more common in our homes.”

Phil Garrigan, Chair of the NFCC

NFCC’s position statement on Fire Risks in Energy Technologies urges the Government to:

• Introduce mandatory product safety rules and third-party testing for PLEVs.
• Regulate online marketplaces to ensure lithium-ion battery products meet safety standards.
• Establish safe disposal systems for damaged batteries.
• Update building regulations guidance to address fire risks from battery storage and charging.
• Fund national public awareness campaigns and invest in firefighting research.
• Ensure fire service expertise informs policy and long-term risk planning.

While lithium-ion batteries are key to a low-carbon future, NFCC warned that without stronger safeguards, they could pose “devastating” risks to homes and communities.

Listen to our 2024 show session recording with Paul Christensen from Newcastle University. He provides insights and and updates us on the risks to firefighters from lithium-ion batteries.

In July, the FBU warned that fire and rescue services need urgent investment to keep pace with the rising threats posed by lithium-ion battery fires and climate-related emergencies.

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