Firefighters have launched an urgent safety campaign ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas shopping rush, warning the public about the potential dangers of lithium-ion batteries found in popular gifts.
A Tragic Precedent and a Rising Threat
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is spearheading the alert, revealing that the number of incidents it has attended involving these batteries has more than doubled since 2023. The warning follows the devastating deaths of Karlo Bogdan, 24, and Natasha Johnson-Mall, 27, who lost their lives last year after an e-bike battery ignited and caused a catastrophic blaze.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Ball stated, "Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Karlo and Natasha who lost their lives so unnecessarily a year ago." He emphasised the heightened risk during the festive shopping period, urging people to take extra care.
Everyday Items, Hidden Dangers
Many consumers are unaware that lithium-ion batteries are present in a host of everyday devices commonly purchased as gifts. These include e-bikes, e-scooters, mobile phones, laptops, and vapes. A recent incident involved a vape battery sparking a fire in a bin lorry, highlighting the ever-present risk.
Through its new campaign, 'Fast. Fierce. Fatal.', the fire service aims to educate the public on safe practices for buying, charging, and storing these power sources. The campaign specifically targets dangerous charging methods that can lead to rapid and uncontrollable fires.
Essential Safety Advice for Shoppers
To prevent further tragedies, West Midlands Fire Service has issued clear safety guidance for the public. They strongly advise:
- Only purchasing products from trusted and reputable retailers.
- Always using the correct, manufacturer-approved charger for the device.
- Avoiding charging batteries overnight or leaving them unattended.
- Charging items on a hard, flat surface, away from any combustible materials like beds or sofas.
- Keeping escape routes in the home clear at all times.
"The vast majority of us use lithium-ion batteries and devices safely, day in, day out. But the risks grow as we use them more," added Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ball. "'Fast. Fierce. Fatal.' is designed to encourage safe buying, charging and storage. We hope the campaign will reach far and wide and, ultimately, save lives."
