As the popularity of e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools, and other rechargeable devices continues to grow, so too does the risk of house fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Following a string of serious incidents, fire services across the UK are urging people in Surrey and Hampshire to take battery safety seriously—especially when charging devices at home.
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we’ve seen first-hand how preventable electrical fires can be. With more households using rechargeable technology than ever before, understanding the risks—and how to reduce them—is essential for protecting your home, your family, and your property.
What’s Causing These Fires?
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable devices because they’re lightweight, fast-charging, and powerful. But if they’re damaged, overcharged, or used with the wrong charger, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.
According to Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, there have already been six house fires in their county alone in 2025 involving lithium-ion batteries—and 33 incidents since January 2023. These fires were linked to:
- E-bikes and e-scooters (especially DIY battery kits)
- Power tools left on charge
- Games consoles and controllers
- Portable power banks
“These incidents highlight the potential risks lithium-ion batteries can pose,” said Station Commander Gareth Boyd. “It’s crucial to always use the correct chargers and avoid leaving devices charging unattended.”
Real-Life Incidents You Should Know About
Several of the reported fires could have been devastating:
- In Wisbech, a DIY e-bike conversion kit battery exploded, causing serious property damage and injuring a resident.
- In Cambridge, multiple power tools and an e-scooter left charging overnight led to a battery fire in a residential garage.
- In Soham, a games controller and power bank being charged in a kitchen caused a fire that required emergency intervention.
- In Peterborough, another DIY e-bike battery fire occurred after a unit bought from an online marketplace failed during charging.
The Risk Is Rising – Especially in Surrey and Hampshire
While many of these cases have been reported further north, Surrey and Hampshire are not immune. In fact, with high levels of e-bike and e-scooter usage in Guildford, Farnborough, Woking, Basingstoke, and surrounding areas, the fire risk is just as real here.
According to Electrical Safety First, fires caused by lithium-ion batteries have more than doubled in recent years, with over 250 incidents in the UK in the past 12 months alone.
How to Charge Safely – Fire Safety Tips from ESI
Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord in Surrey or Hampshire, follow these essential battery charging safety tips:
✅ Use the original charger supplied by the manufacturer. Avoid cheaper alternatives.
✅ Never charge devices unattended, especially overnight or when leaving the house.
✅ Avoid overcharging – unplug devices as soon as they’re fully charged.
✅ Don’t cover devices while charging, as this traps heat.
✅ Charge on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface like a kitchen counter—not on beds or sofas.
✅ Inspect batteries regularly for signs of swelling, cracking, or heat. Replace faulty batteries immediately.
✅ Never attempt DIY repairs on batteries or chargers.
For more guidance, check out the national Take Charge and Be Safe campaign: https://www.cambsfire.gov.uk/community-safety/take-charge-be-safe
What Landlords and Businesses Should Know
If you let out property in Surrey or Hampshire, or run a business that uses battery-powered tools or transport, regular electrical safety inspections are vital.
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we offer:
- 🔌 PAT Testing for battery chargers and tools
- ✅ Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs)
- 🔍 Fire risk assessments for domestic and commercial premises
- 📋 Advice on safe charging setups and identifying risks
“These aren’t just best practices—they’re increasingly becoming essential for insurance compliance and legal safety requirements,” says Jamie Morgan, Director at ESI.
Stay Safe, Stay Charged – But Do It the Right Way
The convenience of rechargeable devices shouldn’t come at the cost of safety. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all the benefits of battery-powered tools and transport—without the fire risk.
If you’re in Surrey, Hampshire, or nearby and want peace of mind, ESI can help. Whether you’re concerned about your own home or manage a portfolio of rental properties, we’re here to keep you safe and compliant.
