Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take care when charging lithium-ion batteries.
The Fire Service responded to two incidents over the weekend involving e-bike batteries, while one fire was quickly extinguished by the owner before firefighters arrived, the other wreaked havoc, inflicting significant damage to a residential property.
Station Manager Dave Geddes, stressed the inherent risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. “There is always a risk that lithium-ion batteries can fail catastrophically, ‘explode’ and/or lead to a rapidly developing fire,” Geddes cautioned. “We would therefore always urge anyone with an e-bike or e-scooter to take every precaution to ensure that it is charged as safely as possible.”
Other top tips include:
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen, ensure you install detection – heat alarms rather smoke detectors are recommended for these areas.
- Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert so, if a fire should occur, you can respond quickly. Don’t leave batteries to charge while you are asleep or away from the home.
- Don’t cover chargers or battery packs when charging, as this could lead to overheating or even a fire.
- Don’t overload socket outlets or use inappropriate extension leads (use uncoiled extensions and make sure the lead is suitably rated for what you are plugging into it).
- Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters on escape routes or in communal areas of a multi occupied building. If there’s a fire, it can affect people’s ability to escape.
For comprehensive safety guidance, concerned individuals are directed to consult the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service’s website at www.dwfire.org.uk/e-bikes-and-e-scooters.
Geddes also drew attention to the fire risks associated with smaller lithium-ion batteries prevalent in everyday devices like mobile phones, tablets, and e-cigarettes. For safety advice on these items, the Fire Service has a dedicated page at www.dwfire.org.uk/batteries.
