Lithium-ion battery advice issued following massive fires

People across Hampshire are being reminded to store, charge and dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly in the wake of a number of major fires.

Two major fires which broke out in Portsmouth and Gosport in recent weeks have been linked to the batteries.

One, at the TJ Waste recycling centre in Tipner Road in Portsmouth on July 6th, saw the M275 motorway closed for much of the weekend.

Meanwhile, a fire which caused huge damage to eight homes in Hill Park Road in Gosport overnight on June 19th and 20th has been linked to an e-scooter which caught fire while charging in one of the properties.

Group Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, Craig Gregory, said:

"Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many electrical products we have in our homes, including e-scooters.

"These batteries can catch fire very quickly and with little warning if they are damaged or disposed of incorrectly.

"Following a number of recent incidents across our area we are urging people to keep an eye on your electrical items whilst charging, think carefully about where they are stored and to check your local council website for the correct way to dispose of your batteries safely."

We're being given the following advice:

• Don't leave mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters on charge in bedrooms, communal areas or blocking escape routes

• Don't charge electrical items while you're sleeping and don't overcharge

• Stop charging a battery immediately if feels extremely hot, it's making a noise or giving off a smell

• Check batteries and products regularly and don't use if you spot any signs of damage

Councillor Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for environmental services at Portsmouth City Council, said:

"We urge people to follow the advice around correctly storing, charging and disposing of lithium-ion batteries. Fires can start extremely quickly and have a truly devastating impact, so please don't put yourself or those around you at risk."

Anyone who needs to dispose of batteries or electrical items is asked to do the following things:

• Never place batteries in household waste or recycling bins. They can set alight in compaction equipment in waste vehicles and at the recycling facilities

• Batteries can be recycled by putting them in a clear bag and placing it on top of your black rubbish bin or bag.

• For batteries that can't easily be removed (such as laptops and phones), leave the batteries in the equipment and place them in a carrier bag on top of your green recycling bin.

• Residents living in flats with communal bins should take their batteries to the Household Waste Recycling Centre or local shops that recycle them

• Batteries and electrical items can also be recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centre or you can find your nearest recycling location.

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