The number of battery-related fires in homes has quadrupled over the past five years, according to new data from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (Beredskabsstyrelsen). Last year, 131 fires related to lithium-ion batteries were recorded, compared to 30 fires in 2018. Products such as electric bicycles, electric scooters, and mobile phones that use these batteries have become more widespread, leading to an increase in fires.
Rasmus Storgaard Petersen, the director of emergency preparedness in Emergency Preparedness East (Beredskab Øst), stated that the increase in battery-related fires is expected due to the increased use of battery technology. He emphasizes that although batteries in households do not pose a “ticking bomb” risk, there is a fire hazard, especially if the battery is damaged, defective, or charged with unauthorized chargers.
To minimize the risk, Petersen recommends that batteries should not be charged in the bedroom, hallways, or near the front door, which can be escape routes in case of fire. Instead, charging should be done in a separate room with a smoke alarm. He also advises disposing of batteries that become unusually hot or start to smell during charging.
Frederik Prytz-Grønfeldt, the chief analyst at the Danish Emergency Management Agency, emphasizes the need for more knowledge on how to prevent fires in lithium-ion products. The agency is collaborating with the Danish Safety Technology Authority (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) to identify and address the major challenges, with expectations that the results will be ready in the second half of 2024.