Fire risk fears grow as battery fires surge

The findings, from a survey by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) to mark its Fire Door Safety Week campaign – ‘Fire Travels Fast’ – highlight the essential role of fire doors in containing fires and protecting lives, while also exposing concerning gaps in awareness, maintenance and reporting.

The survey found:

• High perceived risk – e-bikes (45%) and e-scooters (47%) topped the list of lithium-ion battery powered items most likely to be seen as a fire hazard, ahead of vapes (38%) and electric vehicles (36%).
• Real-world incidents – In the past year, 10% of people have experienced or know someone who has experienced a lithium-ion battery fire. 
• Storage habits – While most store their devices in a garage or outbuilding (56%), 10% keep them in their hallway, 5% in a shared hallway or landing, and 7% in another room in the home.

While ownership of these devices is currently relatively low – e-bike and e-scooter ownership sit at 8% and 6% respectively – the number of fires attributed to these items is increasing. Freedom of Information data gathered by QBE Insurance Groupshowed a 93% increase in lithium-ion battery fires between 2022 and 2024, with e-bikes and e-scooters among the most common causes.

The findings also raise concerns about the potential for counterfeit devices to exacerbate the problem, with 9% of people owning e-bikes and e-scooters created using a conversion kit. 

And despite over half (63%) of e-bike and e-scooter owners experiencing a charging issue, a large number continue to charge inside the home (42%) and 8% charge in internal shared spaces, such as hallways in apartment blocks.

The BWF’s ‘Fire Travels Fast’ campaign is urging landlords, building managers and responsible persons – especially in high-rise blocks, apartments and HMOs – to ensure fire doors are correctly installed, maintained, inspected and used. 

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), said: “With e-bikes and e-scooters increasingly stored in homes and communal areas, correctly functioning fire doors can mean the difference between life and death. Fire doors are one of the most effective measures we have to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They give people the precious time they need to evacuate safely – time that is even more critical when dealing with the intense heat and speed of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.”

The survey revealed that only 41% are confident the fire doors in their building would contain a lithium-ion battery fire, and would be more likely to leave immediately and call the fire brigade if the cause of the fire is an e-bike/e-scooter than any other cause. However, it was also shown that people underestimate how long fire doors can provide protection: just 36% believe a standard fire door offers 30 minutes of safety; 17% didn’t know at all. 

Of those who had fire doors in the building where they live, 35% noticed issues: including being regularly propped open (11%), blocked or obstructed (9%), an excessive gap between door and frame (8%), faulty door closers (7%) or faulty hinges (7%). A worrying 6% said they found fire doors were locked. However, despite clear risks, only 29% of people had reported faulty fire doors, showing a gap in proactive safety behaviours, even as fire risk perception rises.

Helen Hewitt added, “We all have a role to play in spotting and reporting problems with fire doors and taking immediate action to protect lives and property. Fire Door Safety Week is an essential reminder that correctly installed, well-maintained fire doors save lives – but only if we all take responsibility for ensuring they can do their job.”

London Fire Brigade deputy assistant commissioner Richard Field said: “E-bikes and e-scooters are one of London’s fastest-growing fire risks. Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a fire, on average, every other day involving an e-bike or e-scooter.   

“We’re urging people never to store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairwells or escape routes. If possible, keep them outdoors in a garage or shed. If you must keep one indoors, always place it in a room away from your main exit, so that if a fire does break out, you can close the door and get everyone to safety. 

“Fire doors are a vital line of defence. When properly maintained and kept closed, they hold back flames and toxic smoke, giving you and your family valuable extra minutes to escape while firefighters respond. 

“Never attempt to repair or alter a fire door yourself, as this can compromise its effectiveness. If you suspect a fault, always report it to the building owner immediately. Fires can develop rapidly, so it’s essential that every home has working smoke alarms to provide early warning and help save lives.”

Fire Door Safety Week takes place from 22–26 September 2025. For more information visit: www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk