Lithium-ion batteries power much of the modern workplace - from cordless tools and laptops to electric vehicles and delivery fleets. But behind their convenience lies a rising risk: battery fires that are intense, fast-spreading, and difficult to extinguish.
Fire services across the UK are seeing a sharp rise in lithium-ion battery-related incidents - and although many headlines focus on domestic e-bikes and scooters, the risk to business premises, commercial infrastructure and public buildings is growing just as fast.
Before we look at where and how these fires are occurring, it helps to understand what’s behind them.
In simple terms, lithium-ion batteries store a lot of energy in a compact unit. If they are overcharged, damaged, exposed to high temperatures, or have a manufacturing defect, the cells can overheat and rupture internally.
This can trigger a process known as thermal runaway - a rapid chain reaction where:
The result is a sudden, violent fire that’s hard to extinguish with standard extinguishers.
Early warning signs include:
Spotting and isolating suspect batteries quickly is essential - especially in busy workplaces with shared equipment or charging stations.
From mobility retailers to multi-storey car parks, fire services across the UK are reporting a steady rise in lithium battery-related incidents:
The issue isn’t confined to e-bikes in homes. Many commercial operations now rely on lithium-ion batteries for:
Each of these brings charging infrastructure, energy storage and heat generation into workplaces - from warehouses and construction sites to depots and offices.
Without planning and controls, these battery systems can increase fire load, threaten evacuation routes, and compromise business continuity and insurance compliance.
Leading fire services, insurers and safety bodies agree on core safety practices. Here’s a consolidated summary of their advice for workplaces and premises:
Charging & Storage Safety
Workplace-Specific Measures
🔗 London Fire Brigade – Lithium Battery Safety
🔗 Essex Fire & Rescue – Charging Safety
🔗 HSE Fire Safety Guidance
At the heart of lithium battery fire response is choosing the right extinguisher for the job. Standard ABC powder or CO₂ extinguishers are not designed to tackle lithium-ion battery fires.
That’s why SafetyBuyer has chosen to supply two specialist ranges from trusted UK manufacturers - Firechief Lith-Ex and CommanderEDGE LFX - both offering certified and innovative solutions.
The Firechief Lith-Ex range uses Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion (AVD) - a water-based agent that works in three ways:
AVD is a patented, non-toxic, environmentally responsible solution that forms a protective film over burning cells, making it highly effective for lithium battery applications.
Firechief’s Lith-Ex extinguishers are EN3 certified, compact, easy to deploy, and designed specifically for workplaces with battery charging areas, tool depots and EV operations.
New to our range, CommanderEDGE LFX extinguishers are certified to NTA 8133 - the only recognised performance test for lithium-ion battery extinguishers. These extinguishers use a fluorine-free, endothermic foam that:
LFX is available in 3L, 6L and 9L models, covering battery sizes from 300Wh up to 900Wh. It offers fast, clean deployment and a strong environmental profile with no PFAS.
Both Lith-Ex and LFX extinguishers are available to purchase individually or as part of our mobile fire trolleys, safety points, and site set-up bundles - ideal for construction, warehousing, and temporary works.
“At SafetyBuyer, we only align with brands that share our commitment to performance, innovation, and compliance.
Firechief and CommanderEDGE are genuine innovators in lithium battery fire safety - and together, they allow us to offer technically advanced, certified, and environmentally responsible protection for a wide range of customer needs.”
- Sarah Degnen, Product Manager, SafetyBuyer
At SafetyBuyer, we stock a growing range of products designed to support businesses in managing lithium battery fire risks:
We're always happy to offer information and insight to help customers make informed product choices. If you're reviewing your fire safety provisions around lithium-ion battery use, feel free to get in touch with our team.
Lithium battery fires are no longer a fringe issue - they’re a fast-growing workplace risk that demands attention, planning, and the right equipment.
By understanding the causes, staying up to date with best practice, and choosing solutions built for purpose, businesses can take confident steps to reduce fire risk, meet compliance obligations, and protect their people and operations.
If you’re exploring lithium-ion safety solutions, we’re here to help you find the right products to support your goals.
Call us on 0800 043 0161 or email sales@safetybuyer.com
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