Alarming rise of lithium-ion battery fires reported

A fire service has reported a record spike in lithium-ion battery fires in May.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said it had seen a "concerning rise" of incidents across the two counties caused by electrical products using lithium-ion batteries, such as strimmers, drills, power banks and e-scooters.

It compared it to the single incident of this kind in 2019 to the current call-outs reaching "into the double-figures".

A recent fire sparked by a battery saw three tonnes of household waste emptied on to the street in Southampton so it could be extinguished.

James Lucy, the service's assistant director for community safety, advised the public to buy products from reputable retailers, use the correct charger, not leave it charging unattended or overnight, unplug devices when they are at full capacity and to ensure the following of local disposal guidance.

More tips could be found on the service's dedicated safety page.