Lithium-Ion Battery Fires Surge Across the UK
Fire brigades across the United Kingdom are responding to lithium-ion battery fires at an alarming rate of one every five hours, according to new data. The figures, gathered by global business insurer QBE through freedom of information requests, reveal that brigades tackled 1,760 such fires in 2025, a staggering 147% increase over the past three years. This equates to 4.8 fires per day, highlighting a growing hazard that fire chiefs say public awareness and government regulation have failed to keep pace with.
Ebike and Electric Vehicle Fires on the Rise
Electric vehicle fires rose by 133% over the same period, even as the number of electric vehicles on UK roads tripled. Ebike fires made up nearly a third of all lithium-ion battery fires nationally, with 520 callouts in 2025 compared to 149 in 2022. Retrofitted and converted ebikes appeared disproportionately involved compared to certified models. London Fire Brigade (LFB) tackled 44% of these incidents, with 230 ebike fires in the capital last year and five related fatalities in the past three years.
LFB’s deputy commissioner for prevention, Spencer Sutcliff, expressed deep concern: “We remain extremely worried about ebike and e-scooter fires. Public awareness is vital. We believe regulation can help improve product safety and reduce consumer exposure to faulty or counterfeit products such as batteries, chargers, and conversion kits sold on online marketplaces.”
Thermal Runaway: A Dangerous Chain Reaction
Lithium-ion batteries power most rechargeable devices, from mobile phones and laptops to vapes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles. If used incorrectly or damaged, they can undergo thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction where the battery’s internal temperature rises uncontrollably, producing toxic gas that vents at high pressure and creates a blowtorch-like flame. A recent fire that devastated a historic building in Glasgow and closed Central station for two weeks is believed to have started in a vape shop, underscoring the risk.
Fires in Homes and Disposal Issues
The data, compiled from 46 of 52 fire brigades across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, found that nearly half (46%) of all lithium-ion fires occurred in people’s homes. Incorrect disposal of these batteries, which should not be thrown in general waste but can be recycled at many supermarkets, has caused serious fires in bin lorries and recycling plants across the UK. The annual cost of such fires is now estimated at over £1 billion, with injuries to staff reported.
Adrian Simmonds, a risk manager at QBE Insurance, urged action: “Thermal runaway from these batteries burns differently, takes much longer to tackle, and can require up to 10 times more water to contain. Awareness of safe charging, storage, and disposal is essential. People should use only certified ebikes and batteries, charge them away from escape routes, and avoid charging overnight.”
Call for Stronger Regulation
A National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson said the findings reflect what fire services see on the ground: “We are especially concerned about fires involving poorly manufactured, modified, or converted ebikes, which account for a disproportionate number of incidents. Many occur in homes, and people have tragically died. NFCC is working with government and partners to improve research and guidance, but regulation has not kept pace with technology. Stronger action is needed to ensure industry responsibility for product safety.”
The Fire Brigades Union added that services require investment to train and equip firefighters for emerging risks, particularly the toxic gases from lithium-ion battery fires, which pose long-term health risks.
