Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire service see increase in battery-related fires
The service's most recent statistics showed 156 battery fires took place over the course of a year
Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire service say they're seeing an increase in battery-related fires.
The service's most recent statistics showed 156 battery fires took place over the course of a year.
Kelly Hedges is from the Community Safety team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire service.
She said: "There's lots of increasing numbers of fires unfortunately caused by lithium-ion battery products like e-scooters, e-bikes, mobile phones.
"We need to make sure that we're purchasing any item from a reputable retailer.
"We must always check for the UK CACE safety markings, and always use the correct charger that's purchased with the product, don't tamper with it.
"Never leave it overnight or unattended and we do recommend that you're awake when you're charging anything electrical.
"Never leave anything electrical on combustible items, such as soft furnishings, bedding, carpets, always leave it unplugged and on a hard surface."
From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, Hampshire and Isle of Wight fire service say they recorded 156 battery related blazes in our area.
That's an increase of 64 from the previous 12-month period, and an increase of 80 the year prior to that.