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Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe.

Welcome to the hub for our lithium-ion battery safety campaign: Charge Safe. Buy Safe. Dispose Safe.

Here you’ll find everything in one place - our safety advice, the press release, the digital videos, downloadable assets, and a clear Q&A for residents, landlords and partners. Explore the guidance, share it with your networks, and help us turn best practice into everyday habits across West Yorkshire.

Press Release

93% rise in lithium-ion fires since 2022 prompts county-wide WYFRS campaign

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) is launching a new safety drive after lithium-ion battery fires surged 93% since 2022. Testing shows 98% of fake chargers can cause electric shock or start a fire, and incident reviews indicate around 49% of e-bike fires are linked to counterfeit chargers. The campaign sets out clear, practical steps for residents to buy safely, charge safely, and dispose of batteries correctly.

Lithium-ion batteries power more of our lives than ever. When bought from unreliable sources, charged incorrectly, or stored on escape routes, they can create a rapid-fire risk in homes and shared spaces. The campaign focuses on three high-risk behaviours: using counterfeit chargers and batteries, overnight charging in hallways, and storing e-bikes on escape routes.

Each film asks a simple question - “What would you do differently?” - rewinding from a real-world response (emergency services on scene) to show the small choices that prevent a fast, life-threatening fire.

As part of this campaign, WYFRS has worked closely with Electrical Safety First to align messaging with national product-safety guidance and consumer advice, and with Together Housing, who provided locations and practical support for filming and community engagement across West Yorkshire.

Scott Donegan, Area Manager at WYFRS, said:

“We’re seeing the same patterns again and again: counterfeit chargers and batteries, overnight charging in hallways, and e-bikes stored on escape routes.
Those three things turn a small fault into a fast, life-threatening fire. Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe. turns best practice into everyday habits - please buy and use the right charger, keep charging off escape routes and never put batteries in household bins. If a device smells hot, swells or hisses, unplug it, move away and call 999. These simple habits save lives in homes and neighbourhoods across West Yorkshire.”

Rachel Barton, PAIT Engagement Co-ordinator at WYFRS, said:

“I’ve seen the devastation lithium-ion battery fires can cause - lives are changed in moments and homes destroyed. This campaign gives people clear, practical steps to stay safe: buy from trusted retailers, charge in safe places while you’re awake and dispose of batteries properly. Share it with your family, friends, tenants and riders - these changes can prevent serious incidents.”

Luke Osborne, Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, said:

“We’re proud to support this vital battery safety campaign in the hope of avoiding future tragedies that we’ve seen occur across the country as a result of substandard e-bike batteries and chargers. If an e-bike battery fails, it often triggers a dangerous process called thermal runaway, producing highly toxic gases and reaching temperatures of over 600 degrees centigrade in seconds. Because of the ferocity of these fires, it’s imperative people across West Yorkshire buy their devices from reputable high street retailers where they can be confident their device meets safety standards. 

Avoid third party sellers on online marketplaces where substandard goods can often be sold. Be especially careful where you charge your device & make sure it never blocks your escape route in case a fire occurs and you are trapped. Our fund is proud to support projects across the country like this one, that raise awareness of unsafe electrical products, as well as influencing safer consumer behaviour in the hope of avoiding future injuries and fires.”

Campaign assets

A short-form digital video series underpins the campaign. Three hero films - Counterfeit vs Genuine, Charge Right and Buy Safe (coming soon) - anchor the messaging, alongside high-impact clips showing an explosion and its immediate aftermath to underline consequences. Longer classroom/crew cuts are available in YouTube-friendly ratios for schools and community use.

All assets are designed for reach and accessibility with sentence-case captions, SDH subtitles, alt text and non-image CTAs, complemented by carousels, story stickers, and an online “hub” featuring our content, digital videos, press release and a written media Q&A.

What people need to know

  • Buy safely and correctly: choose reputable retailers and the correct battery/device with a manufacturer-approved charger.
  • Charge safely: never charge on escape routes or while asleep.
  • Act fast on danger signs: if you notice unusual heat, smell, swelling or noise, unplug, move away and call 999.
  • Dispose safely: never put batteries in household bins - use local Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) or retailer take-back schemes.

Notes to editors

Headline stats (for use):

  • 93% rise in lithium-ion battery fires since 2022.
  • 98% of fake chargers can cause lethal electric shock or start a fire.
  • 49% of e-bike fires linked to fake/counterfeit chargers.

Please attribute stats to: Electrical Safety First

About Electrical Safety First:

Electrical Safety First is the UK’s consumer-safety charity dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents at home and at work. The charity undertakes research and testing, runs public awareness campaigns and advocates for safer products and practices.

About Together Housing:

Together Housing is one of the largest housing associations in the North of England, providing affordable homes and community support. Together Housing supported this campaign by supplying filming locations and facilitating resident engagement across West Yorkshire

Digital Assets:

Broadcast-quality digital videos and stills available on request.

Spokespeople:

  • Scott Donegan, Area Manager, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Rachel Barton, PAIT Engagement Co-ordinator, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
  • Daniel Butterfield, Assistant District Commander, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Media contact:

Oly Woodcock, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service - oly.woodcock@westyorksfire.gov.uk

Public advice: 

For urgent incidents, dial 999. For general safety information, visit: Lithium-ion Batteries | West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Please scroll down to view our campaign assets - including our digital videos and the Q&A.

Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe.

Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe.

Lithium-ion Battery Safety - Q&A

What are lithium-ion batteries and why can they be risky?
They power everyday tech (phones, laptops, e-bikes, tools, vapes). They’re safe when used correctly, but poor-quality or damaged batteries and unsafe charging/storage can lead to fast-spreading fires.

How should I store and handle them?
Keep batteries and devices cool, dry and away from heat sources (radiators, heaters, cookers, direct sun). Never use damaged or swollen/leaking/hissing batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid second-hand batteries with unknown history.

Where should I keep my e-bike or e-scooter?
Store and charge away from escape routes (not in hallways, stairs or by doors). Choose a clear, ventilated area with space around it, on a flat, hard surface.

What’s the safest way to charge?

  • Charge while you’re awake and present; never overnight.
  • Use the manufacturer-approved charger only (avoid cheap/counterfeit or “universal” chargers).
  • Charge on a flat, hard surface; not on beds/sofas/under pillows.
  • Don’t cover the device; keep away from combustibles.
  • Don’t overload sockets or daisy-chain extensions - especially for e-bikes/e-scooters.
  • Unplug once fully charged.

What warning signs mean stop and act now?
Excess heat, bulging/swelling, hissing/crackling, a strong chemical smell, smoke, leaks or scorching. Unplug if safe, move away, and call 999.

Can I use a different or “universal” charger?
No. Mismatched chargers are a common cause of fires. Use only the charger supplied or recommended by the manufacturer.

Is it OK to buy second-hand batteries?
Avoid. You can’t be sure of condition or built-in safety features. Buy from reputable retailers.

How do I dispose of batteries safely?
Never put batteries in household bins. Take loose batteries or devices with built-in batteries to retailer take-back points, supermarkets or your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).

To find a site, search Recycle Your Electricals or check your local authority website.

Should I fit smoke alarms near charging areas?
Yes, if possible. Install and regularly test smoke alarms in areas where you charge or store higher-risk items (e-bikes/e-scooters/tools).

What should I do if a battery catches fire?
Get out, stay out, call 999 immediately. Don’t try to move or extinguish the device. If safe, close doors behind you to help contain smoke and fire.

What’s the one-line takeaway?
Buy Safe. Charge Safe. Dispose Safe. Small everyday habits prevent big incidents.