Fire safety chiefs urge public to be aware of e-bike and scooter dangers
A safety video on devices with lithium-ion batteries has been created by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Fire safety experts in Wiltshire are urging us to ensure we're correctly storing and charging devices with lithium ion batteries.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has released a video offering safety guidance for people using items such as e-bikes and mobility scooters, which contain rechargeable batteries.
In the video, it shows footage of a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery and how quickly it can escalate.
But Business Fire Safety Manager, Ellie Gray, told us they don't want to scare anyone.
"It's just to help educate people so that we can carry on using these devices we rely on, but using them safely," she said, adding: "Any fires with these batteries are likely to spread quickly and then can produce thick smoke, so we have to be really conscious of how we're using them and how we're charging them."
With these devices becoming more common place in households, Ellie said it is a concern for the Fire Service that there is a risk of greater instances of fires from these devices, but said that's why it is crucial we're all up to speed on operating them safely.
She said: "We recognise these products are a big part of modern life and it's important we understand both their benefits and their risks.
"Our message is about being aware."
Ellie said there are a few things we must avoid when storing and charging our devices.
She said: "We don't want people to be charging your batteries in bedrooms or hallways where it could block everyone's escape.
"We don't want you charging batteries nearly to combustible materials and we don't want you to be charging these unattended, or certainly when you are asleep."
Ellie added that it is vital that we use the correct chargers for the batteries, ensuring we disconnect the charging lead when it's fully charged.
She advised us to buy our products from reputable retailers, making sure we check for the correct CE or UK CA mark, showing the devices meet the required safety standards.
Anyone living in a residential block is encouraged to speak to their landlord or building manager if they have concerns over safely charging their equipment or devices being charged in communal spaces.