Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes
Iain Hoey
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BAFSA records multiple lithium battery-related sprinkler activations
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association (BAFSA) has reported a series of recent UK fire incidents in which sprinkler systems responded to lithium-ion battery fires linked to e-bikes and e-scooters.
According to Avon Fire and Rescue Service, one event occurred in a four-room flat where a hallway fire blocked the primary escape route.
A concealed sprinkler head above the fire activated and extinguished the blaze before crews arrived.
Ten people were trapped and later rescued from the fourth floor by aerial ladder platform.
The incident was reported to BAFSA’s Sprinkler Saves UK initiative.
BAFSA confirmed the system prevented escalation of the fire and limited injuries to minor smoke inhalation.
This is one of several reported cases involving sprinkler systems activating in response to lithium battery fires inside residential properties.
Birmingham e-bike fire controlled by residential sprinkler system
In a separate case from April 2023, West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service reported a lithium-ion battery in an e-bike caught fire while charging in the hallway of a retrofitted residential block of flats in Birmingham.
The fire blocked the internal escape route.
A sprinkler head activated and extinguished the fire.
Residents sought refuge on an external balcony until firefighters arrived.
No injuries were recorded.
According to a statement issued by West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, a resident said: “We couldn’t get out. We were on the tenth floor. It was too high. I can tell you for sure that the sprinklers saved our lives. It is brilliant they were installed in the first place.”
Gloucestershire fire suppressed before fire crews arrived
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service reported that in December 2024, an e-bike battery caught fire inside a studio flat within a house of multiple occupancy.
The fire was fully extinguished by a single sprinkler head in the room of origin.
The resident evacuated the building without injury.
The fire service was not required to suppress the blaze, which had already been controlled upon their arrival.
Station Manager Obi Selassie said: “If it was not for the activation of the sprinkler system extinguishing the fire before the arrival of the fire service, we could be discussing a different outcome for this incident.
“The benefits of sprinklers should not be underestimated – they save lives and reduce injuries, and protect firefighters.”
Sprinklers continue to activate in lithium battery incidents
According to BAFSA, none of the recent incidents led to fatalities.
All sprinkler systems operated as intended, with a single head controlling or extinguishing the fire.
In each case, the fire originated from a lithium battery installed in a personal electric transport device.
The sprinkler systems protected primary escape routes or enabled time for safe rescue.
BAFSA noted that although current UK sprinkler design standards do not specifically reference lithium-ion battery fires, these systems continue to demonstrate fire containment value.
BAFSA highlights ongoing reporting through Sprinkler Saves UK
All incidents were submitted to the Sprinkler Saves UK database.
BAFSA encourages further reporting of sprinkler activations that result in fire control or extinguishment.
The association uses the collected data to assess trends, support evidence-based advocacy, and raise awareness of sprinkler performance in residential and commercial settings.
BAFSA said the Sprinkler Saves UK project is designed to promote transparency and build a national picture of real-world sprinkler effectiveness.
More case studies are available at www.sprinklersaves.co.uk.
Sprinkler systems limit lithium battery fire spread in UK homes: Summary
The British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Association reported multiple lithium-ion battery fires in the UK involving e-bikes and e-scooters.
Each incident involved activation of a single sprinkler head that suppressed or extinguished the fire.
One fire occurred in a flat in Avon, trapping ten occupants until firefighters arrived.
A second case was reported in Birmingham, where residents were rescued from a balcony.
A third fire in Gloucestershire was extinguished before fire crews arrived.
Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager Obi Selassie confirmed the importance of early sprinkler activation.
BAFSA stated that current standards do not explicitly cover lithium-ion battery fires.
The Sprinkler Saves UK project tracks and publishes real-world data on sprinkler performance.
All incidents were based in the United Kingdom.
No fatalities were reported in any of the three incidents.
All information was published by BAFSA on 1 July 2025.
