The Rise In Lithium-ion Battery Fires

In 2023, the London fire brigade attended 183 Ion Battery fires, but this figure rose to 467 fires in 2024, so the trend continues to rise, with most of the fires coming from e-scooters and e-bikes. Tragically, in 2023, 11 people died from Lithium Battery fires.

Waste facilities are also seeing increases in fires with these batteries not disposed of correctly, There were 201 fires last year at waste centres due to lithium batteries, which accounted for 48% of all waste facility fires and cost £158M per year in payouts.

In November 2024, separate research carried out by Allianz revealed that the average cost of fire-related claims involving lithium batteries was £50,000. These fires were caused by “leaking and damaged batteries and overcharged combustion at home."

Lithium-ion batteries power many of our everyday devices, from smartphones and laptops to e-scooters and electric vehicles. They can pose serious fire hazards if not handled properly. It is an especially important message at a time when people are buying more electrical items that may contain these types of batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries contain highly flammable materials and are designed to store significant amounts of energy in a compact space. When damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to high heat, these batteries can overheat and enter a state called thermal runaway, which may result in fires or explosions.

When a fire does occur, it becomes highly flammable and is often difficult to put out as the lithium cells contained within the battery release oxygen as the temperature rises, which further feeds and fuels the combustion.

Another concern with Lithium battery fires is that they can remain alight for many hours after initial ignition and also reignite many days after the fire has been put out.

To prevent the fire from spreading, containment is key with various methods used that include specialist extinguishers, battery fire blankets, and a new innovative method from a Fire Chief called Pyroflow.

Should the worst happen, however, and you are instructed to deal with a Lithium-Ion battery fire, Polygon is more than equipped with specialist staff all ready to deal with the restoration efforts needed.

If you would like any further information on the services Polygon can offer, please contact our Head of Loss Adjusters, Scott Woodward, by calling 07990 436378 or email: scott.woodward@polygongroup.com