WMFRS launch battery safety campaign ahead of Black Friday
People across the West Midlands are being warned about the serious dangers of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries
As Black Friday approaches, people across the West Midlands are being warned about the serious dangers of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries found in devices like e-bikes, e-scooters, phones and vapes.
West Midlands Fire Service has launched a new campaign called ‘Fast. Fierce. Fatal.’ after a sharp rise in battery-related incidents - including a blaze last year in Coventry where a young couple and their two dogs lost their lives.
Fire crews responded to nearly seventy lithium-ion battery fires so far this year - more than double the number seen in 2023.
As Black Friday and Christmas approach, officials say people should always buy devices and chargers from trusted retailers and never leave batteries charging overnight.
One of the cases they shared was of a young couple and their two dogs, who tragically lost their lives last year in a Coventry house fire started by the battery in a bike converted to an e-bike.
In 2023, WMFS firefighters responded to 40 incidents involving lithium-ion batteries. The number rose to 69 in 2024. By 31 October this year it was already 65 - up 6.6 per cent on the same ten months last year, and more than twice as many as in the same period in 2023.
They recorded six fires involving e-bikes and their batteries in 2023, and 13 in 2024. By 31 October 2025 it was 16.
Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries can be:
- 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
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Ball said: “Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Karlo and Natasha who lost their lives so unnecessarily a year ago.
“As Black Friday and Christmas approach, we’re asking people to take extra care when buying gifts – and to make sure devices with lithium-ion batteries are charged safely.
“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.
“In the weeks to come we’ll be sharing a range of safety advice on our website and social media channels. We’ll also be working with partner organisations to help get the message to a range of different audiences, including e-bike and e-scooter users.
We hope the campaign will reach far and wide and, ultimately, save lives.”
Buy and charge safely
Always buy from trusted retailers and look for UK safety marks.
Avoid cheap, unbranded e-bike conversion kits that may include unregulated batteries or chargers.
Avoid buying any electricals from third-party sellers on online marketplaces.
Make sure you use the correct charger for your device (power, output).
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Buying substandard batteries and chargers puts lives at risk.
How to charge safely
Many fires involving lithium-ion batteries happen during charging. Reduce the risk:
- Use the charger that came with your device. If it didn’t come with one, make sure you use one that’s compatible (power, output)
- Charge on a hard, flat surface, away from anything that could catch fire and burn
- Unplug once fully charged, don’t leave on charge overnight or while you’re away from home
- Don’t block escape routes - never charge batteries in hallways, doorways or under stairs
- Let batteries cool before charging
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions
How to store safely
Where you keep lithium-ion batteries or devices powered by them, especially when they’re on charge, significantly affects fire risk.
Keep them away from anything that could catch fire and burn. Somewhere cool and dry is best.