Battery fires: Warning issued over disposal of unwanted items

Lithium-ion batteries found in electronic devices caused 187 fires in West Sussex over the past three years

A warning has been issued about the safe disposal of batteries from old devices in the days after Christmas.

Lithium-ion batteries found in common electronic devices caused 187 fires in West Sussex over the past three years, the county's fire service said.

Most of these were caused by mobiles, tablets and laptops being thrown away in household bins.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said "using faulty devices and chargers further increases the risk".

Darren Wickings, station manager for policy, said: "Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly common in our everyday lives.

"They are safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, submerged in water, or damaged."

The fire service has pointed out the need to always use the correct charger for a device and never leave it charging unattended or overnight.

A spokesman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: "Never charge large lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in electric bikes and scooters, in hallways or stairwells where it could block your means of escape.

"Always choose reputable retailers when shopping for electronic devices."

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