Battery warning after Norfolk house fire

Residents across Norfolk are being reminded of the importance of buying lithium-ion batteries for a range of everyday devices only from reputable and safe retailers, to ensure they meet UK safety standards and aren't a fire risk. 

As a Safety Bill about the rechargeable batteries is due to go before the House of Lords on Friday (6 September 2024), Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service and Norfolk County Council's Trading Standards team is investigating a house fire which is believed to have been started by a battery which was charging. 

The occupants of the house in Bowthorpe managed to escape the fire last Tuesday evening, and a subsequent fire investigation has concluded that the fire started with the battery, purchased from an online retailer, and charger. 

"Unfortunately, this fire has started with a battery and had devastating consequences for the residents as their home has been significantly damaged," said Emyr Gough, Head of Prevention at Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service. 

The Trading Standards department is currently working with fire investigators and the householder to find out more about the retailer and exact battery and charger involved. 

Lithium-ion batteries are found in a range of devices including; mobile phones, tablets, laptops, mobility scooters, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-cigarettes and hover boards. 

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "You can reduce the risk of fires by checking batteries regularly and ensuring you only buy from reputable retailers so that products meet UK safety standards. 

"Look out for warning signs of problems, such as wear and tear, overheating, an unusual smell, unusual sounds or a battery or charger that is bulging out of its usual shape. If you see any of these signs, turn it off, unplug it and take it outside if it is safe to do so." 

Other tips to help keep you safe in the home are:

• Only charging batteries when you are at home and while you are awake
• Charging devices and batteries on a solid flat surface
• Ensuring batteries and chargers meet UK safety standards
• Charging in a location that does not block your emergency exits, should a fire occur
• Using the charger that came with the battery and if you need a replacement charger or battery, only buying it from a supplier recommended by the device manufacturer
• If your battery, charger or device is smoking, turn it off if safe to do so. If you see a fire, leave the room shut doors and get out of the property and then call 999

If you believe you have a sub-standard product, you can report a problem with a trader or a product to Trading Standards by contacting our partners the Citizen's Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. 

Safe disposal of batteries 

Lithium batteries should not be placed in the same bins as your regular rubbish or recycling due to risk of fire. Fires have broken out in waste and recycling lorries because people have put batteries in their bins. 

Some councils in Norfolk run a special weekly battery collection service. Check with your local authority for advice on how to safely dispose of batteries. Find your local council. 

More details

Find out more about how to stay safe with lithium batteries.

Find out more about the national battery safety campaign. 

Read more about the Lithium-ion battery safety bill.

Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service's Prevention and Protection team will be out as part of Student Fire Safety Week later this month (23-29 September 2024) to share information to help improve safety in student accommodation. Messaging around use and charging of lithium-ion batteries will be included within this education work, along with other measures such as keeping emergency exits clear and keeping fire doors closed.