FOI Request 1936

Subject: Fires caused by Items that Contain Batteries

Status: Complete

Date received: November 2023


Question Asked:

We would like to investigate whether there has been an increase in fires caused by items that contain batteries (including lithium-ion batteries). For instance, toys, laptops, electric toothbrushes etc.

Therefore, under Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations, I would like to request the following information:

  • The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2021

  • The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022

  • The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2023 to 30.10.2023

  • The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2021

  • The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022

  • The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by items containing batteries from 01.01.2023 to 30.10.2023

If possible, please can you detail what has caused the fire, or what is thought to have caused the fire so we can identify the source of the fire.


Our Response:

Currently the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Incident Recording System (IRS) has insufficient facilities for the comprehensive recording, and subsequent analysis, of the involvement of batteries, and the items that contained them, at fires attended.

A ‘Source of ignition’ list has been provided which shows what we can provide and what is available. If you want to look at that and advise which categories would be sufficient then this information can be provided.

source_of_ignition_list.pdf


Outcome: Data Not Held

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO

Back to FOI requests


Last updated: Friday, 30 January 2026


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