Councillors back battery safety campaign following Gosport fire

Gosport Borough Council has backed a national campaign calling for greater safety around lithium batteries, following a major fire in the town recently.

Eight homes in Hill Park Road were severely damaged by a fire last month. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was most likely caused by an e-scooter which caught fire while on charge in one of the properties.

Nationally at least 13 people have died in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries since 2020, with hundreds of people injured and millions in property damage.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday 17 July, members approved a motion for the council to support a Parliamentary Bill put forward by Lord Foster of Bath. The Bill calls on the government to introduce new laws to ensure greater safety around the sale and use of of lithium batteries.

The motion was put forward by Cllr Rob Hylands, Deputy Leader of Gosport Borough Council, and seconded by Cllr Thomas Finn, who both represent the Brockhurst and Privett ward where the fire took place.

Cllr Hylands said: "The fire in our ward has caused devastation to those involved who've lost their possessions and been made homeless. Another fire in a waste facility in Portsmouth is also likely to have been caused by a lithium battery. So myself and Cllr Finn felt it important that we as a council fully support Lord Foster's Bill seeking to improve the safe use, storage and disposal of lithium batteries, which are so dangerous if not used properly."

Battery safety advice

Residents are urged to follow this battery safety advice:

• Don't leave mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters on charge in bedrooms, communal areas or blocking escape routes
• Don't charge electrical items while you're sleeping and don't overcharge
• Stop charging a battery immediately if feels extremely hot, it's making a noise or giving off a smell
• Check batteries and products regularly and don't use if you spot any signs of damage
• Never place batteries in household waste or recycling bins as they can cause fires in waste lorries and recycling centres. Instead, take them to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Gosport or find locations where you can recycle batteries.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Craig Gregory said:"Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many electrical products we have in our homes, including e-scooters.

"These batteries can catch fire very quickly and with little warning if they are damaged or disposed of incorrectly.

"Following a number of recent incidents across our area we are urging people to keep an eye on your electrical items whilst charging, think carefully about where they are stored and to check your local council website for the correct way to dispose of your batteries safely."

Published: 18 July 2024