'Fast, Fierce, Fatal' - West Midlands Fire Service launches safety campaign highlighting dangers of lithium-ion battery fires
The safety campaign was launched following the tragic e-bike fire death of a young couple in Coventry.
West Midlands Fire Service have launched a new safety campaign to highlight the dangers of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries.
The new campaign, called 'Fast, Fierce, Fatal', follows a sharp increase in incidents that have been linked to batteries found in devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, phones, laptops and vape pens.
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It comes after a young couple and their dogs lost their lives as a result of a fire in Coventry last year, with the fire being determined to have started by the battery in a bike that was converted to an e-bike.
The new initiative gives a warning over the potential dangers of the lithium-ion batteries, with the group joining partner fire services nationwide to spread their message.
Assistant chief fire officers, Steve Ball said: "Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of Karlo and Natasha, who lost their lives so unnecessarily a year ago.
"As Black Friday and Christmas approach, we’re asking people to take extra care when buying gifts – and to make sure devices with lithium-ion batteries are charged safely."
In 2023, West Midlands Fire Service responded to 40 incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, with the number rising to 69 in 2024.
By October 31 of this year, the fire service said that 65 fires involving batteries have already been reported, which is up by 6.6 per cent on the same ten months last year.
Mr Ball said: “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. ‘Fast. Fierce. Fatal.’ is designed to encourage safe buying, charging and storage.
“In the weeks to come, we’ll be sharing a range of safety advice on our website and social media channels. We’ll also be working with partner organisations to help get the message to a range of different audiences, including e-bike and e-scooter users.
"We hope the campaign will reach far and wide and, ultimately, save lives."
Fast: The fire services said that battery fires can start suddenly, often without warning and spread within seconds.
Fierce: The fires can burn at extreme temperatures, as well as release toxic fumes, explosive vapours, and can quickly fill a home with flames.
Fatal: The fire service said that people have died in the fires, often being given 'little chance' to escape.
For more information on the initiative, tips on storing batteries, and advice on how to identify a faulty lithium-ion battery, visit the West Midlands Fire Service website.
