Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning the public after responding to six serious house fires this year caused by charging lithium-ion batteries. The fires – involving e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools and gaming controllers – have damaged homes and injured residents across the county.
The most recent incident occurred in Wisbech, where a DIY e-bike kit battery exploded and caused a house fire. Crews from Wisbech, March, and Norfolk were called to the scene, where one resident suffered burns. Similar cases have been reported in Cambridge’s Chesterton area, Soham, and Peterborough, often linked to cheaply made chargers or unregulated battery packs purchased online.
In one case, an e-scooter and power tools left charging in a living room led to an explosion. In another, a controller and portable charger overheated in a kitchen. Many of the fires have occurred while residents were either asleep or away from the devices, underscoring the dangers of unsupervised charging.
The fire service is urging residents to only use official charging cables and devices, avoid overcharging, and never buy cheap battery conversion kits that may not meet UK safety standards. They also advise closing internal doors at night, keeping escape routes clear, and turning off electricals before bed.
An online home safety check is available via the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service website, allowing households to assess their fire risk and develop a safety plan.
For more information, visit: www.cambsfire.gov.uk.
