How to Prevent Lithium-Ion Batteries from Catching Fire

Lithium-ion batteries are used in a significant amount of our everyday items, but how much do we actually know about using them safely?

Do you use any of these?

💻 A laptop or tablet
⌚ A smartwatch or wireless earphones
🚲 An e-bike or electric car
🔔 A smart doorbell or home security camera
🪒 An electric razor, or toothbrush?

Not on that list? What about a smartphone?

All of these everyday devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, the energy source behind a lot of modern life. But with convenience comes risk, and fire incidents linked to these batteries are rising fast.

Fire services across the UK now attend around three lithium-ion battery fires every day - nearly double what they saw just a few years ago. It’s a wake-up call for manufacturers, distributors, and consumers to manage the fire risks linked to this powerful but potentially dangerous technology.

Why lithium-ion batteries can ignite

Lithium-ion batteries are like high-energy storage units. If damaged, overcharged, or overheated, that energy can spiral out of control - a process known as thermal runaway.
When it happens, the battery can vent gas, produce smoke, or even ignite.

The good news? Most incidents are avoidable with a little awareness and care.

Smarter habits for safer power

Here’s what matters most:

1. Be brand-savvy, not bargain-hungry.
If a charger or battery seems too cheap to be true, it probably is. Go for products from trusted brands that show proper certification (CE, UL, or UKCA)

2. Use the correct charger for each device. 
Your phone, watch and headphones have a specific charger for a reason. Mixing and matching cables might seem harmless - until it isn’t.

3. Treat damage seriously.
Cracked casing? Weird smell? Dispose of it safely before it becomes a fire risk.

4. Give your devices breathing space.
Batteries hate heat. Avoid charging on your bed, cushions or carpets, and don’t tuck chargers behind furniture. 

5. Try not to charge while you sleep.
Overnight charging might be convenient, but it’s also one of the riskiest habits. 

6. Know where to recycle.
Batteries tossed in general waste are one of the biggest causes of fires in recycling plants. Drop them at dedicated collection points instead, it is easy and free.

7. Think ahead, not after.
Workplaces and shared buildings should have lithium-compatible extinguishers and clear exit routes.

A shared responsibility

As our dependence on rechargeable power grows, so too must our awareness of the risks. Through smarter design, responsible use, and stronger safety culture, we can enjoy the benefits of modern battery technology without compromising safety.

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