London faces record number of e-bike fires in 2025 as calls for more ...
Since the beginning of 2023, the Brigade has attended a fire, on average, every other day.
www.london-fire.gov.ukHere’s a concise update on UK lithium-ion battery fire statistics based on the latest publicly reported figures.
Direct answer
- The UK has seen a notable rise in lithium-ion battery-related fires in recent years, with reports indicating a substantial year-on-year increase. For example, UK fire services reported a surge in incidents linked to lithium-ion batteries in 2023 and 2024, with London Fire Brigade as a leading contributor in those years. In some summaries, 2024 data alone show hundreds of such fires across major brigades, suggesting a pronounced upward trend into 2025 as well.[3][4][5]
Context and key numbers (latest widely cited figures)
- 2023: Fires linked to lithium-ion batteries increased by about 46% compared with 2022, with almost three fires per day in 2023 versus under two per day in 2022 in the UK.[4]
- 2024: The London Fire Brigade alone reported hundreds of lithium-ion battery fires (around 400+), far exceeding other regions; national tallies continued to rise in some summaries, with regional counts varying by population and density.[5][4]
- 2025: UK fire brigades reportedly tackled roughly 1,760 lithium-ion battery fires, equating to about 4.8 fires per day and roughly one every five hours, signaling continued acceleration in activity across the country.[3]
Notes on sources and reliability
- The figures above come from insurer-compiled Freedom of Information data and subsequent industry reporting; the London Fire Brigade and other regional services are typically the primary contributors to the national totals.[1][5][3]
- Different outlets may present the numbers with varying baselines (e.g., calendar year vs. financial year) or distinguish between charging-related incidents (e-bikes, e-scooters) and general lithium-ion battery fires; consult the specific reports for exact definitions and year ranges.[7][5]
Why it’s rising (high-level factors)
- Increased use of lithium-ion devices (e-bikes, e-scooters, consumer electronics) and the growing volume of charging activities have amplified exposure risk; fires often require specialized handling due to thermal runaway and potential for re-ignition.[4][7]
- Fire services and insurers have called for stronger safety regulations, better public education on charging/disposal, and more robust fire service training to mitigate the higher risk profile of Li-ion battery fires.[7][4]
If you’d like, I can:
- Pull the most recent official figures and provide a precise year-by-year table with regional breakdowns.
- Create a quick chart showing the trajectory from 2022 to 2025 using the latest numbers (and export PNG).
- Locate official UK government or NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) statements for formal definitions and methodology.