Charging batteries has already caused several fires in homes across the county so far this year. Significant fires in Cambridge, Wisbech, Peterborough and Soham have occurred in the last few months.
Firefighters have been called to fires involving batteries being over charged, resulting in thermal runaway from the lithium-ion contained in them and causing significant damage to people’s homes.
Station Commander Gareth Boyd, one of the Service’s community risk managers, said: “These incidents highlight the potential risks that lithium-ion batteries can pose and how it is vital for people to be alert when charging any kind of device. Last year firefighters attended around 20 fires involving batteries charging in homes, with more occurring already in 2025.
Most devices come with safety features to ensure they do not overheat when being charged. Using the charging packs, cables and plugs provided by the manufacturers, rather than cheaper versions will help charge devices safely. Replica replacement chargers sometimes don’t have these features and can end up overcharging the battery, which causes thermal runaway Leading to explosions and rapidly intense fires.
We have seen items for sale, at car boot sales as well as online, that people can use to convert a standard bike into an e-bike. These whilst seemingly a cheap alternative can be highly dangerous and do not conform to the required standards to be sold in the UK.”
The Service has also attended several fires involving batteries being disposed of in household bins.
Gareth added: “Batteries can be a fire hazard if they are not disposed of properly. They should never be put in household rubbish or recycling bins.
During the processing of waste or recycling, a battery can be compacted and damaged, which can lead to ignition of the highly reactive lithium, leading to a fire starting.
Any kind of battery can cause a fire if not disposed of correctly and safely. This includes vapes or other e-cigarettes as well as standard batteries.
Fires involving batteries cause damage to refuse vehicles and roads, as well as significant delays to bin collections and road closures.
There are many places to safely dispose of batteries. As well as local recycling centres, many shops around the county have collection bins in-store.
To find your nearest battery collection bin, visit either:
www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk
Residents are being reminded to Take Charge and Be Safe, remembering some simple tips to help keep themselves and their families safe.
Find out more by visiting www.cambsfire.gov.uk