Fire Service Urges People To Buy Safe This Black Friday Following Rise In Lithium Battery Blazes

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire Service is urging people to buy smart and be safe with electrical product purchases this Black Friday.

A statement from the service said:

"The number of incidents we are seeing caused by lithium-ion batteries is on the rise, so we urge that you buy safe this festive season when it comes to electrical products.

"If you are planning on hitting the high street this Black Friday or surfing the web on Cyber Monday to pick up some bargains, we want you to ensure the products you purchase are safe for you and your family.

"Discounts involving electrical goods are once again expected to be among the most sought after this year.

"We want you to avoid cheap and counterfeit items which can be dangerous in your home, and to be aware of how you can safely use and charge your electrical devices.

"Many electrical products use lithium-ion batteries, which when damaged can spark devastating fires, and across Hampshire and Isle of Wight we have seen a rise in these incidents."

In 2019 the Fire Service recorded only one lithium-ion battery incident, however this has increased each year, with 36 damaging and costly blazes in homes and at waste/recycling centres seen in 2024 (1st Jan-10th Oct).

Earlier this year HIWFRS teams tackled a large fire, which spread through the roof of several Gosport properties, caused by a charging e-scooter. And back in May, a toy car on charge sparked a devastating flat fire in New Milton.

To protect yourself, your family, and your home from fire, here are some top fire safety tips to keep in mind:

• When hunting for deals we ask that you buy from reputable retailers and look for the UKCA or CE symbol on the product to ensure it is properly certified.
• You can be informed of dangerous goods and product recalls for electrical appliances by registering your items online.
• Ensure you always use the charger your device originally came with.
• Don’t overload your plug sockets or leave items on charge overnight/unattended.
• Keep an eye out for scorch marks, hot plugs or flickering lights as this could be a sign of dangerous wiring.
• If you’re looking to dispose of your electrical product, check your local waste guidance to safely throw away batteries.

HIWFRS Assistant Director for Prevention and Protection Delivery, James Lucy said:

“With Black Friday upon us we want to ensure that everyone across Hampshire and Isle of Wight is safe with the Christmas present purchases they make on the high streets or online.

“We ask that when buying electrical products such as e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery devices, only do so from reputable retailers, ensure they meet UK Safety Standards, and that you know how to use and charge them safely.

“Use the charger your product came with, don’t overload sockets and never leave them plugged in overnight or unattended.”