The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that fire and rescue services need urgent investment to keep pace with the rising threats posed by lithium-ion battery fires and climate-related emergencies.
The call comes after the Office for Product Safety reported at least 211 e-scooter and e-bike fires across the UK in the past year—up from just 26 in 2020. Five of last year’s incidents resulted in fatalities, and with figures based on voluntary reporting from regional fire services, the true national total is believed to be higher. London accounted for the majority of reported cases.
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries, which are common in e-scooters and e-bikes, are notoriously difficult to control. These incidents can trigger explosions and release flammable gases, creating new challenges for frontline crews.
At the same time, climate change is driving a rise in major incidents,…
