If you’re hitting the high street, shopping centres, Christmas markets or even surfing the online shops, make sure you only buy safe presents for your loved ones – that’s the message from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS).
Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise across the region, so it is more important than ever that you only buy and use safe electronic products this festive season.
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in electric bikes, scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and other common household devices. The safety of these lithium-ion products depends on how they are manufactured, used, charged, stored and recycled.
From 1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025, HIWFRS recorded 156 battery-related blazes in our area, an increase of 64 from the previous 12-month period, and an increase of 80 from the year prior to that.
18 of these fires were recorded on the Isle of Wight, including an incident at a nudist retreat in Havenstreet earlier this month, where a camera battery, left on charge, sparked a conservatory blaze.
Tracey Webb, HIWFRS’ Prevention Manager, says:
“At this time of year, we know lots of you across Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be out searching for the best gifts to give to your loved ones – we want to ensure those gifts are safe and don’t present a fire risk.
Article continues below this advertisement “When buying electrical products such as phones, tablets, e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery devices, we ask that you only do so from reputable retailers, ensuring they meet UK Safety Standards.
“Use the charger your product came with, don’t overload sockets and never leave them plugged in overnight or unattended.”
Make sure you know what to look out for to ensure your Christmas isn’t ruined by cheap, faulty goods.
- Buy from reputable retailers.
- Ensure the product is certified by checking is a UKCA or CE symbol.
- Register products online to be informed of product recalls.
- Use the charger your device came with, or purchase a replacement designed for the product from the same manufacturer.
For more guidance on buying, using, storing, charging and disposing of your lithium-ion products, visit https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/lithium-ion-batteries/.
For fire safety information relating to electrical appliances, gizmos and gadgets visit https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/keeping-safe/loveyourhome/firehazards/electrical-appliances/.
A “camera” in a nudist camp!