I am posting this campaign overview from West Midlands Fire Service.
Lithium-ion battery fires are one of the fastest-growing fire risks in homes today. In November 2024, a young couple tragically died in a Coventry house fire caused by the battery on an e-bike. It had been converted from a standard pedal bike. Such battery fires start suddenly, burn fiercely, and often leave little chance to escape. And they’re on the rise.
Core messaging
Rechargeable devices probably have a lithium-ion battery inside. Many people don’t realise they already own and use them daily, and that they could be engaging in dangerous purchase, charging and storage behaviours. The risk of a good quality lithium-ion battery failing is very low, but even a well-maintained battery can fail unexpectedly.
The fires they can cause can be devastating:
FAST: they can start suddenly, often without warning, and spread within seconds.
FIERCE: such fires burn at extreme temperatures. They release toxic fumes and explosive vapours, and can quickly fill a home with flames.
FATAL: People have died in such fires, typically with little chance to escape
Ken Hawkins 