Electricity is a major cause of accidental fires in UK homes and businesses. However, there are many ways you can lower the likelihood of an electrical fire from starting.

• E-scooter and e-bike fire safety guidance – The popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes is increasing and with it comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage.
• Tumble Dryers and Washing Machines – Tumble dryers and washing machines are electrical appliances that many people have in their homes. However, it is important to keep your machines clean and in good working order.
• Product Recalls – In line with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends that people who own appliances that are subject to product recalls do not use them.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems – Please email any queries or consultations regarding Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems that are proposed to be or are in Berkshire to your local Fire Safety Office.

• Unplug electrical appliances and chargers when you’re not using them and when you go out or go to bed;
• Look out for signs of dangerous or loose wiring e.g. scorch marks, hot plugs and sockets, flickering lights, fuses that blow or circuit breakers that trip for no obvious reason;
• Keep appliances clean and in good working order e.g. regularly remove lint from tumble dryer filters;
• Don’t overload sockets  – keep to one per socket;
• Always use a charger supplied with the device or recommended by the manufacturer – using any charger other than the one intended for the battery can increase the risk of damage;
• Avoid placing phones or other electric devices under pillows or blankets whilst charging;
• Avoid overcharging your batteries;
• Don’t dispose of damaged or end of life batteries in your household waste or normal recycling. Ensure that you dispose of them properly at designated battery disposal banks.
• If you own an electric bike or scooter, do not try to add extra batteries to try to make it go faster – this could result in a fire.

The popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes is increasing and with it comes a corresponding fire safety concern associated with their charging and storage.

Lithium-ion batteries, similar to the technology in our mobile phones, are used to power many of these new modes of urban transport. If these and associated charging equipment are substandard, damaged or misused then there is a risk of the batteries overheating. This may lead to an unusually intense fire that can give off toxic gases and large amounts of smoke with very little prior warning.

An investigation by the consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First discovered nearly 60 listings on popular online marketplaces, such as Amazon, eBay, Wish.com and AliExpress, were found to be highly dangerous e-bike chargers. All 60 failed to meet UK safety standards.

Please read the links below which give more information about how you can safely purchase an e-scooter or e-cycle (e-bike).  They also include recommendations about safe storage and charging, how to dispose of batteries responsibly and the warning signs for fire risk and what to do.

• E-scooter – Battery safety for users – GOV.UK
• E-cycle – Battery safety for users – GOV.UK

Remember lithium battery packs can cause serious fires, particularly if they are of poor quality, damaged or improperly used.

• If possible, avoid charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors.
• Avoid storing or charging e-bikes and e-scooters in communal areas as this can affect people’s ability to escape.
• Charge batteries whilst you are awake and alert and do not charge them if you are away from home.
• Avoid charging near combustible or flammable materials.
• Ensure your smoke alarms are working. If you charge or store your e-bike or e-scooter in a garage or kitchen ensure you install the correct detection equipment. We recommend heat alarms rather than smoke detectors for these areas.
• Always use the manufacturer approved charger for the product and carefully follow the instructions.
• Unplug the charger when you have finished using it.
• Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage.
• Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating or a fire.
• Do not overcharge your battery. Check the instructions for charge times.
• If you need to dispose of a damaged or end of life battery, don’t dispose of it in your household waste or normal recycling.

• Responsible Persons (RPs) should consider the risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters regarding where they are left being charged such as common areas, bike stores and mobility scooter charging rooms. Escape routes should be kept clear at all times and RPs may wish to advise residents on the safe use, storage and charging of these products.
• E-bikes, e-scooters and their batteries should be stored in a cool place, avoiding excessively hot or cold areas.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the storage and maintenance of lithium-ion batteries, particularly if they are not going to be used for extended periods of time.

Further advice on the purchasing of e-bikes and e-scooters, along with how to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries can be found on the NFCC’s website.   

In the event of an e-bike, e-scooter or lithium-ion battery fire, do not attempt to put it out. Get out, stay out and call 999.

Tumble Dryers and Washing Machines

Tumble dryers and washing machines are electrical appliances that many people have in their homes. However, it is important to keep your machines clean and in good working order. Otherwise, excess lint or fluff can build up over time and cause a fire.

To make sure your tumble dryers and washing machines are safe, regularly check for these warning signs:

• A burning smell;
• Clothes and textiles taking longer to dry;
• Dried items feeling hotter at the end of the cycle;
• And, the external vent flap staying shut whilst the dryer is on.

Follow these safety tips to reduce fire risks caused by tumble dryers and washing machines:

• Clean the lint and fluff off the filter in your dryer after every use;
• Never leave your appliance unattended or running overnight;
• Don’t put fabrics or materials in your tumble dryer if they have been used to soak up flammable liquids;
• Make sure your dryer is well-ventilated. Make sure that the vent pipe is not blocked or crushed in any way;
• Never cover the vent or other openings. Only use recommended vent pipes and not improvised ones;
• Have your tumble dryer serviced regularly by a qualified engineer.

In line with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service strongly recommends that people who own appliances that are subject to product recalls do not use them.

To find out if you have a product that is subject to recall, visit www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/product-recalls/

Although Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) is not a statutory consultee as part of the Local Authority planning process, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) strongly encourages applicants and local authorities to engage with their Fire and Rescue Service throughout the planning process. This is outlined in the government guidance on planning for renewable and low carbon energy.

The NFCC has produced guidance for Fire and Rescue Services which gives recommendations on Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage System Planning. This guidance specifically relates to grid scale battery energy storage systems in open air environments, using lithium-ion batteries.

We would expect that any pre consultation sent to us outlines how your proposed site meets the expectations of this guidance document. Once you have considered this document, and provided us with a detailed response, we will be able to consult on your proposal.

Our expectation is that a comprehensive risk management process is undertaken by operators to identify hazards and risks specific to the facility and develop, implement, maintain, and review risk controls. From this process, a robust Emergency Response Plan should be developed.

Whilst every site is different, the NFCC guidance will be used by the Service to evaluate the proposal. With early engagement and advice using the guidance, appropriate control measures can be put in place to minimise disruption and harm to people, property and the environment.

Please email any queries or consultations regarding Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems that are proposed to be or are in Berkshire to your local Fire Safety Office.

At around noon on Friday, 26 April, 2024, 112 calls were received about a fire and smoke development from container containing lithium-ion batteries at a warehouse in the Sisjön’s industrial area near Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more about the incident.