West Midlands Fire Service warns rising risks of lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) has launched a new public safety campaign to raise awareness of the growing danger posed by fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which power many of the devices people use everyday.
The campaign, 'Fast. Fierce. Fatal' comes after a significant rise in fires linked to batteries found in items such as e-bikes, e-scooters, mobile phones, laptops and vaping devices.
Fire crews across the West Midlands have seen incidents increase sharply. In 2023, firefighters attended 40 battery-related fires. That figure rose to 69 in 2024. By the end of October this year alone, 65 such incidents had already been recorded — an increase on the same period last year and more than double the number seen two years ago.
Particularly concerning is the rise in fires involving e-bikes and their batteries. WMFS dealt with six of these incidents in 2023, rising to 13 in 2024. By the end of October 2025, the number had already reached 16.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Steve Ball said:
“The vast majority of us use lithium-ion batteries and devices safely, day in, day out. But the risks grow as we use them more."
"‘Fast. Fierce. Fatal.’ is designed to encourage safe buying, charging and storage."
Why are lithium-ion battery fires are so dangerous?
- They start suddenly- often without obvious warning signs
- They burn intensely- producing extreme heat, toxic smoke and explosive gases
- They can be deadly- leaving little time for people top escape
Many people don’t realise just how many lithium-ion batteries they already own or how unsafe behaviours, such as poor storage, incorrect chargers or cheap purchases, can increase the chance of a fire.
While the likelihood of a high-quality battery failing is low, even well-maintained batteries can malfunction without warning.
Key safety advice from WMFS:
- Buy devices, batteries and chargers only from reputable retailers
- Use the correct charger and never charge batteries overnight
- Charge on a solid, non-flammable surface, well away from combustible items
- Keep exits and escape routes clear — never charge on stairs or in hallways
- Dispose of batteries safely at designated recycling points, never in household bins
Warning signs of a dangerous battery:
- Excessive heat during use or charging
- Swelling, bulging or leaking
- Burning or chemical smells
- Hissing or crackling noises
- Poor charging performance
- Visible damage to the device casing