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Lead: Alarming Frequency of Lithium‑Ion Fires Across the UK Fire brigades in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are now responding to a lithium‑ion battery fire about every five hours, according to data compiled by insurer QBE. The trend highlights a growing safety gap as rechargeable devices become ever more ubiquitous. Rising Callouts Reveal a Surge in Battery‑Related Blazes Freedom‑of‑information requests show that fire services logged 1,760 fires linked to lithium‑ion batteries in 2025 – roughly 4.8 fires a day. This marks a 147% increase over the previous three years. Electric‑vehicle fires alone rose 133% while the number of EVs on UK roads tripled in the same period. 520 callouts involved e‑bikes in 2025, up from 149 in 2022. London Fire Brigade handled 44% of those e‑bike incidents, with 230 fires in the capital and five fatalities over three years. Nearly half (46%) of all lithium‑ion fires occurred in private homes. Numbers Paint a Stark Picture of Growth and Cost The financial toll of improper disposal is now estimated at over £1bn annually, driven by fires in bin lorries and recycling facilities. Responding to these incidents can require up to 10 times more water than a conventional fire, due to the intense heat of thermal runaway. Safety Gaps and Regulatory Lag Amplify Public Risk Spencer Sutcliff, deputy commissioner for prevention at the London Fire Brigade, warned that “public awareness is vital” and that regulation has not kept pace with the market. The National Fire Chiefs Council echoed concerns, especially around poorly manufactured or converted e‑bikes, which are disproportionately represented in fire statistics. The Fire Brigades Union stressed the need for investment in training and equipment to protect firefighters from toxic gases released during lithium‑ion fires. What Comes Next: Calls for Regulation, Training, and Public Awareness Stakeholders are urging a multi‑pronged response: Introduce stricter product safety standards for batteries, chargers, and conversion kits. Mandate clear, consistent guidance on safe charging, storage, and disposal – e.g., using certified e‑bike batteries and avoiding overnight charging. Boost funding for fire services to acquire specialised equipment for toxic‑gas mitigation. Launch nationwide awareness campaigns targeting consumers and online marketplaces. Without these measures, the frequency of lithium‑ion fires is likely to keep climbing as the market for rechargeable devices expands.