Fire experts ‘losing sleep’ over growing hazard of lithium-ion batteries

2026-03-20 - 11:19

Fire service warns ubiquity of batteries in everyday products is outpacing public understanding and safety regulations Lithium-ion batteries represent a new technological hazard that one fire science expert has said keeps him awake at night, as fire service chiefs warn the ubiquity of lithium-ion batteries in everyday products is outpacing public understanding and safety regulations. The blaze that devastated a historic building in Glasgow and resulted in the continuing closure of Central Station, Scotland’s largest rail interchange, is believed to have started in a shop selling vapes, which are powered by lithium-ion batteries. The latest data reveals a sharp increase in battery-related fires across Scotland, while firefighters in London attend an e-bike or e-scooter fire every other day. Continue reading...