West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) is launching a new safety drive after a surge of 93% since 2022 of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries found in fake chargers for phones and e-bikes.

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 is centred around mapping 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.

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.”

A set of short films to promote the campaign have also been released that each ask 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. They show how choosing to buy a knock-off version of a phone charger and charging your e-bike in the hallway can have devastating consequences.

Other videos have been released that show the rapid extent to which a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery can spread, one of which you can view at the top of the page.

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.

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.”