Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a safety warning following a rise in house fires caused by overheating batteries, with six incidents already recorded this year.
The blazes have involved a range of devices, including e-scooters, e-bikes, power tools, a games console, and a portable power bank. The most recent fire occurred in Wisbech on Tuesday when a battery from a DIY e-bike conversion kit exploded, sparking a major fire and leaving one person with burn injuries.
“These incidents show how dangerous lithium-ion batteries can be if not handled properly,” said Station Commander Gareth Boyd. He stressed the importance of using manufacturer-supplied chargers and avoiding cheaper, potentially unsafe alternatives that could cause fires or explosions.
In one earlier case, a fire broke out in a Cambridge home where an e-scooter and several power tools were charging. Another incident in Soham involved a kitchen fire caused by a charging games console controller and portable power bank. A similar fire occurred in Peterborough just days later, also involving a DIY e-bike kit purchased online. That fire also resulted in a resident being hospitalised with burns.
Since January 2023, firefighters in the county have dealt with 33 battery-related fires.
The fire service is urging the public to follow key safety advice:
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Use batteries and chargers that match the correct voltage and are fully compatible
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Avoid charging devices overnight or when unattended
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Stick to trusted manufacturers for batteries and charging equipment
The message is clear—charging devices safely could prevent serious injuries or even save lives.
