Lithium-ion battery fires reported in UK every five hours, QBE data shows

Fire and rescue services across the UK are now responding to lithium-ion battery fires approximately once every five hours, according to new research from insurer QBE, highlighting a sharp rise in incidents linked to everyday electronic devices and electric transport.

QBE’s analysis found that UK fire services attended the equivalent of 4.8 lithium-ion battery fires per day in 2025, up from around two per day in 2022. Overall incidents have increased by 147% over the three-year period.

The data, based on Freedom of Information responses from 42 of the UK’s 49 fire services, shows a continued upward trend in fires involving batteries used in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, e-bikes and electric scooters.

QBE said e-bikes accounted for 520 fires in 2025, more than triple the figure recorded in 2022. These incidents represented nearly a third of all lithium-ion battery fires recorded that year. Of the e-bike fires, 44% were attended by the London Fire Brigade, which reported 230 such incidents.

Electric vehicle-related fires also rose, increasing from 120 incidents in 2022 to 279 in 2025, a 133% rise. Over the same period, the number of electric vehicles on UK roads more than tripled, increasing by 206% from 664,148 to 1,971,764.

Key stats behind lithium-ion battery fires in the UK

QBE said almost half (46%) of lithium-ion battery fires occurred in homes, while 31% took place outdoors and 23% in commercial properties. Around 45% of incidents involved commonly used consumer devices such as phones, tablets and power banks.

The insurer attributes many of these incidents to “thermal runaway”, a chemical reaction in which batteries overheat and ignite, often due to damage, overcharging or exposure to heat.

Adrian Simmonds, Risk Manager at QBE Insurance, said:

“Lithium-ion battery fires continue to increase. It’s vital that people and businesses take action to better manage this growing risk. Thermal runaway caused by these types of batteries burns differently, takes much longer to tackle and can require up to 10 times more water to contain.

“Awareness of safe charging, storage and disposal is essential to keeping people and property safe. People should use only certified e-bikes and batteries, charge them away from escape routes and avoid charging items overnight.

“The statistics suggest retrofitted bikes are more prone to these incidents, so we would encourage people to stick to reputable companies when purchasing and avoid unregulated devices.”

Among UK fire services, the London Fire Brigade recorded the highest number of lithium-ion battery fires in 2025 with 522 incidents, followed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service with 126 and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service with 117.

The data also shows variation across regions, with Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service reporting a year-on-year reduction in incidents following updated safety guidance issued in 2023.

The findings come as the UK prepares to implement reforms under the Product Regulation and Metrology Act, which received royal assent in July and aims to strengthen oversight of product safety, including uncertified e-bikes sold via online marketplaces.

QBE is urging both households and businesses to follow stricter safety measures, including using certified products, avoiding overnight charging, inspecting batteries for damage and ensuring proper storage and disposal of lithium-ion devices.