The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries in commercial and residential buildings presents a fire risk that most existing fire safety frameworks were never designed to address. E-bikes, e-scooters, energy storage systems, and the growing number of battery-powered devices have introduced a novel hazard category: thermal runaway fires that are exceptionally intense, difficult to suppress, and capable of re-igniting hours after apparent extinction.
Why Lithium-Ion Fires Are Different
A lithium-ion battery fire is fundamentally different from a conventional fire. Thermal runaway generates its own oxygen through chemical decomposition, making conventional suppression methods less effective. Temperatures typically reach 500-800°C, potentially exceeding 1000°C. Additionally, these fires produce highly toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride and phosphorus pentafluoride.
The Regulatory Landscape in 2026
Current fire safety legislation requires responsible persons to assess all fire risks present in their premises — including emerging hazards such as lithium-ion batteries. A fire risk assessment that fails to consider battery storage and charging locations may be considered insufficient under the RRO.
Practical Risk Mitigation Strategies
Key strategies include: designated, ventilated charging areas away from means of escape; charging station protocols with automatic power disconnection; appropriate fire detection in battery storage areas; specialist suppression considerations for high-density storage; clear policies on personal e-bike and e-scooter storage; and staff training on lithium-ion battery hazards and emergency procedures.
What Should You Do Now?
If your fire risk assessment does not specifically address lithium-ion battery risks, it should be reviewed. Apex Fire Engineering incorporates lithium-ion battery risk assessment into all relevant fire risk assessments as standard.