second most common cause of fire

Nottingham firm believes it has the solution for Britain’s second most common cause of fire

by with No Comment News

The supplier of a ground-breaking fire suppression device could be poised to help extinguish the second most common cause of fire in the UK.

Nottingham-based company Aerocom (UK) Ltd has struck a five-year deal with pioneering Swedish company MAUS. This deal is to supply a unique fire suppression device called the Advanced Pro Stixx to the UK market. The devices are available in three sizes. The smallest of which is the size of a two-fingered Kit-Kat. It can automatically extinguish electric fires in seconds, including lithium-ion battery fires. These types of fires are becoming a growing concern with the increase in electric vehicles.

Fires ignited from an electrical distribution source were the second most common cause of fire in the UK. This was according to Government figures for the year ending March 2023, according to Government figures. Cooking appliances were the only source to cause more fires than electrical.

Aerocom (UK) Ltd believes that prior installation of the Advanced Pro Stixx device could have potentially prevented the recent spate of devastating lithium battery fires that engulfed three electric London buses last month. This bold claim could allow for many other similar incidents to be eliminated in the near future.

Where could this product be seen?

The inexpensive and super-lightweight device could potentially become a permanent fixture in homes, holiday homes, caravans, offices and infinite other applications across the UK. Aerocom (UK) Ltd says the Pro Stixx could save lives and millions of pounds in damages. These devices have the potential to slash insurance costs.

Tom Hughes, managing director of Aerocom (UK) Ltd, said: “This product is incredible. It is a genuine game-changer in terms of fire protection and suppression. There is nothing else like it available anywhere.”

The Pro Stixx can be installed in any enclosed electrical space in seconds. These include fuse boxes, electrical cabinets and the battery compartment of electric vehicles. They work by flooding the space with harmless potassium-based smoke when the temperature exceeds 170 degrees Celsius.

Typically, within five seconds, the heat source is fully extinguished. These devices can suppress fires before they have a chance to spread. They are especially crucial in terms of lithium-ion battery fires, which are notoriously difficult to put out and are prone to reignition.

What is being said?

Fire chiefs in the UK are especially worried about the increase in home fires brought on by batteries inside e-bikes and e-scooters. The London Fire Brigade has issued multiple safety warnings in response to the 150 recorded e-bike fires and 28 recorded e-scooter fires in London alone last year. The number of these fires has risen 60% over the previous year.

The launch announcement by Aerocom (UK) Ltd follows three instances in January where buses operated by Go Ahead London caught fire and became quickly engulfed in flames. These events put lives at risk and heaped pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan to address the problem.

Mr Hughes said that, since his firm won the UK contract with MAUS to supply the devices, he had been inundated with enquiries from organisations and individuals clamouring to place orders. Many more MAUS fire suppression products for other applications are available. It is inevitable that, through Aerocom (UK) Ltd, this product range will be developed and expanded.

Aerocom (UK) Ltd is an established leading supplier of pneumatic tube systems to manufacturing, logistics and healthcare facilities. They are an approved supplier of the NHS, which has already expressed an interest in Pro Stixx.

Another key source of interest has come from the holiday lets and the camping and caravanning sector. For them, this device is seen as a major innovation in fire protection.

“The technology is tried, tested, and proven,” said Mr Hughes. “It is also utterly simple to install and inexpensive – not least when you balance it with the cost of fire-related loss or damage and potentially losing a life.”

The MAUS Advanced Pro Stixx has been granted a CE mark for fire safety. It was assessed to meet the European high safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

lithium-ion battery fires

Former firefighter reveals terrifying truths of lithium-ion battery fires

by with No Comment Lithium-ion Battery Fires

A former firefighter has raised serious concerns about how emergency crews deal with lithium-ion battery fires.

This came out in an interview with the firefighter after an electric bus set alight in Wimbledon on Thursday, Neil Pederson has warned of a tsunami of similar fires in the future.

Enormous amounts of water are needed and this type of lithium-ion battery fires are currently difficult to put out quickly.

He set up Fire Containers Ltd in 2019 which is looking to develop the world’s first Electric Vehicle Containment Unit.

How are lithium-ion battery fires put out?

Neil told Metro: ‘There could be a tsunami of electric vehicle fires if action is not taken soon.’

‘This is because they are basically chemical fires that spread from cell to cell and create a domino effect where water is useless against a blaze.’

‘Firefighters have to use 10 to 15 times more water to tackle an EV fire over a petrol or diesel vehicle because of hazardous flammable toxic gases it gives off from the lithium batteries.’

‘Water is useless against these toxic gases and turns to steam.’

‘What’s more, lithium batteries are on the bottom of electric vehicles and are hard for firefighters to tackle so this is where the EVCU comes in handy.’

The only fire services in the UK that use the EVCUs are Staffordshire and West Midlands.

With 20 million electric vehicles expected on the UK’s roads by 2032, up from 1.2 million in 2023, this poses a problem for fire services up and down the country.

The sale of electric vehicles outstripped diesel and petrol car sales last year, which Neil says will equate to more fires on the UK’s roads.

What could have caused the electric London bus fire?

Addressing Thursday’s fire in London, Neil said: ‘It’s most likely that today’s electric vehicle bus fire in London was caused by an electrical fault and may not be linked to the lithium-ion batteries if the fire started at the back of the bus.

‘This is because lithium batteries on electric buses are on the top of the front of the bus rather than the back.’

‘But as the sale of electric vehicles continues to increase, fires like these are only going to become more common.’

‘On average it takes firefighters four hours to extinguish EV fires and this is because of their lithium batteries and on average costs £1million an hour each time traffic is held up because of a burning vehicle.’

Have electric bus fires happened before?

The Wimbledon bus fire is not the first time an EV fire has caused chaos in London after a Potters Bar bus depot fire in 2019.

And there are safety concerns about a new Edgware EV bus garage proposed in north London.

Neil added: ‘The problem is that millions of electric vehicles are due to be sold with lithium batteries.’

‘The way to prevent this is investment in new technologies to replace these highly flammable batteries.’

‘Right now toxic gases are highly dangerous to the health and safety of firefighters on the ground as well.’

‘These fires are virtually impossible to stop and until then we face an increase and likelihood of more.’

For a more in-depth look into lithium-ion battery fires, check out our complete overview on the topic HERE.

Firexo this christmas

Is Firexo What You Need in Your Home This Christmas?

by with 2 Comments Information

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and quality time spent with loved ones. As we decorate our homes with festive lights, candles, and Christmas trees, it’s essential to prioritise safety to ensure a worry-free and happy holiday. This brings us to the question: Is Firexo what you need in your home this Christmas?

The Importance of Fire Safety During the Holidays

The holidays often involve an increased use of candles, cooking, and decorative lighting. While these elements contribute to the warm and inviting atmosphere, they also pose potential fire hazards. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a peak month for home fires, with an average of 780 home structure fires per year attributed to decorations alone.

Understanding Firexo: A Revolutionary Fire Fighting Solution

Firexo is a cutting-edge fire suppression technology that has been gaining attention for its efficiency and ease of use. Unlike traditional fire extinguishers that may require different types for different fires, Firexo is an all-in-one solution that works on all major fire types: A, B, C, D, Electrical and F. This means it can extinguish all types of fires. The Firexo extinguisher can even be used against the very dangerous, Lithium-ion battery fires.

Why Choose Firexo for Your Home This Christmas?

1. Versatility: Firexo simplifies fire safety by providing a single solution for various fire types. This versatility is crucial in a home setting where fire risks may arise.

2. Ease of Use: Traditional fire extinguishers can be intimidating and confusing in the heat of the moment. Firexo has the perfect option for the home, offering a user-friendly canister that requires minimal training. Its simple operation allows anyone to respond quickly in case of an emergency.

3. Rapid Suppression: Time is of the essence during a fire emergency. Firexo is known for its rapid-fire suppression capabilities, helping to contain and extinguish flames swiftly, reducing the risk of further damage.

4. Minimal Residue: Traditional fire extinguishers can leave a messy residue, often causing additional property damage. Firexo, however, minimises residue, making the cleanup process more straightforward and less damaging.

Christmas-Specific Fire Risks

During the festive season, specific fire risks become more prevalent:

1. Decorative Lights: Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits can lead to electrical fires.

2. Candles: Unattended candles pose a significant fire risk, especially with the abundance of decorative candles during the holidays.

3. Cooking: Increased cooking activities, particularly using oils and fats, heighten the risk of kitchen fires.

Conclusion: A Safer and Merrier Christmas with Firexo

As you prepare to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones, prioritising fire safety is a responsible and essential step. The versatility, ease of use, and rapid suppression capabilities of Firexo make it a valuable addition to your home this Christmas. Consider investing in this innovative fire suppression solution to ensure a safer and merrier holiday season for you and your family. To look more into Firexo and all the options, find more HERE.

Remember, prevention is key, but being prepared with the right tools, such as Firexo, can make all the difference in protecting what matters most. May your holidays be filled with warmth, joy, and, above all, safety.

Class D Fires

Understanding Class D Fires: Flammable Metal Fires and Their Extinguishing

by Classes of Fire

When it comes to fire safety, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the different classes of fires and the appropriate methods to combat them. In this blog post, we’ll focus on Class D fires, which involve combustible metals and their extinguishment, including the use of specialist fire extinguishers.

Understanding Class D Fires

Class D fires are unique and can be extremely hazardous due to the involvement of combustible metals. These metals include magnesium, titanium, aluminium, sodium, and potassium, among others. When ignited, they burn at extremely high temperatures and can release flammable gases, making them challenging to extinguish with conventional methods.

Class D fires are commonly found in industrial settings, such as manufacturing plants, laboratories, and facilities that handle or store these metals. They can also occur in areas where metal dust is prevalent, such as metalworking shops.

Lithium Fires

Lithium fires are classed as Class D fires. However, Lithium-ion battery fires are not. These can commonly get mixed up. It is important to understand the difference for the safety of yourself and others around you. Lithium fires and lithium-ion battery fires are very different beasts and each has their own problems when it comes to extinguishing.

Lithium fires usually involve pure lithium metal, which is highly reactive when exposed to air or water. These fires are particularly challenging to extinguish due to the intense heat generated during combustion. Specialist L2 Dry Powder fire extinguishers must be used to smother the flames and prevent re-ignition. Unlike other Class D fire extinguishers, the L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher can handle lithium fires. Lithium fires may occur in environments where lithium is stored or processed, such as laboratories or manufacturing facilities.

When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can release highly flammable electrolytes and gases. Extinguishing these fires requires specialised knowledge and equipment. This often involves the use of their own specialist fire extinguishers specifically designed for lithium-ion battery fires. These fires can occur in various settings where lithium-ion batteries are used, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. To find out more information regarding Lithium-ion battery fires, find our in-depth blog post HERE.

Specialist Fire Extinguishers for Class D Fires

Combatting a Class D fire requires a specialist fire extinguisher designed to tackle the difficult and dangerous class of fire. The most commonly used extinguisher and the one that we offer is the L2 Dry Powder fire extinguisher. Unlike normal Dry Powder fire extinguishers, L2 extinguishers can only be used to fight Class D and Electrical fires. To learn more about the L2 Dry Powder extinguisher and other types of fire extinguishers, find our detailed blog post HERE. 

When facing a Class D fire, it’s essential to use the appropriate extinguisher for the specific metal involved. 

In conclusion, understanding Class D fires and having access to specialist fire extinguishers is crucial for the safety of individuals and the protection of valuable assets in environments where combustible metals are present. Being well-prepared and knowledgeable about the correct fire extinguishing methods can make a significant difference. This can help prevent disaster and ensure a safer workplace.

Electrical Fire Stafford

Stafford man ‘loses everything’ in electrical-bike fire

by with No Comment News

A Stafford man has said he has “lost everything” after an electrical fire that started because his electric bike exploded.

Dave Bird, from Stafford, was on holiday with his children in Wales last month when he was told about the fire by his friend who was house-sitting and looking after his pets.

“Everything is just gone, the kitchen is obliterated, all my furniture, my cooker, totally devastated,” said Mr Bird.

“There are things I can’t get back, pictures of my mum and my dad who’ve both passed, items of jewellery from my dad, his fob watch and things like that. Things that the kids have made me.”

‘Totally devastated’

He continued: “The thing that really upset me was pictures of my daughter on the wall who I lost in 2010. They were totally… That really upset me.”

Mr Bird’s friend, Dan, had bought the E-bike as a gift for him to help with his mobility issues and he planned to surprise him with it when he returned home from holiday.

Shortly after putting the bike on charge, Dan heard a bang from the kitchen and the fire erupted.

Mr Bird returned from holiday to a burnt-out shell of a house after the fire had ripped through his home and destroyed all of his belongings.

‘You buy something you expect it to work’

“He plugged it in at night for a few hours to make sure it was ready for the morning when I got back and it blew up,” said Mr Bird, “he heard a fizz and a pop and then the fire just spread and everything gone, that’s it.”

“He had to go the hospital for oxygen, the kittens had to go for oxygen, I’m just thankful he got out safe,” he said.

“There’s nothing you can do, he felt like it was his fault. I said ‘You wouldn’t expect that’, you buy something you expect it to work don’t you.”

An investigation by Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service found the main source of the fire was the battery charger – and they are now issuing warnings to anyone who is considering purchasing an E-bike.

To charge the bikes safely the fire service is urging people to always use the correct charger and not to charge them overnight due to the risk of bikes overheating.

“We’re seeing a rise in the number of issues we’ve got with the safety of those, particularly around the chargers,” said Tony Shore, Staffordshire Trading Standards Operations Manager.

“A lot of fires that are caused are as a result of faulty electrical goods and it’s important that you do your research before you buy them.

“Make sure that they comply with the appropriate British standards and make sure, more importantly, that they’re genuine products and they’re not counterfeit.”

The charger was bought from Amazon and Dave now wants the retailer to take it off sale.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Amazon said: “We’ve reached out to the customer directly and a full investigation’s underway. Safety is important to Amazon and we want customers to shop with confidence on our stores.

“We monitor the products sold for product safety concerns and require all products on Amazon to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

“If customers have concerns about an item they’ve purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

Mr Bird rents his house from the council and they have told him it’ll take at least six months to rebuild it.

Lithium-ion batteries and E-bike fires specifically are a growing problem. More and more cases like this one seem to be occurring every week. These are serious matters and luckily, in this case, no one was hurt. This Stafford electrical fire incident is an eye-opener for many and should act in spreading awareness of incidents like this one.

Fire Service warning on e-bike

Nottinghamshire Fire Service issue warning after e-bike battery explosion

by with No Comment News

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have shared footage of an incident where an e-bike battery exploded.

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motor-assisted pedal cycles that look similar to conventional bicycles.

With a rechargeable battery and a motor to provide support when pedalling, electric bikes offer riders the ability to travel faster than a traditional bicycle without requiring the same level of physical exertion.

Under current law in England, Scotland and Wales, electric bikes that meet certain criteria may be used by people 14 years or older without needing a licence or insurance; however, different rules apply in Northern Ireland.

To meet the criteria, e-bikes must be classed as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). Any electric bike that does not meet the EAPC rules is classed as a motorcycle or moped and needs to be registered and taxed. You’ll need a driving licence to ride one and you must wear a crash helmet.

Nottinghamshire Fire Service have issued certain rules and guides on how to use e-bikes in terms of charging and general use. The Lithium-ion batteries used inside these e-bikes are a great beast and can cause serious damage if not used correctly.

Charging Your E-Bike

To reduce the risk of fires related to e-bikes at home, always exercise caution when charging batteries. Never attempt to modify or tamper with the battery. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid leaving the e-bike to charge for too long periods of time or unattended, such as overnight or whilst out of the house.

Reduce the Risk of Overheating

Batteries can become warm during use, so allow them to cool before attempting to recharge. To ensure that heat can dissipate properly, batteries should only be charged on hard, flat surfaces away from flammable items such as furniture, carpets or curtains. Take care to avoid exposing batteries to extremes of temperature or charging them if they’ve become damaged. Overcharging can also lead to the battery overheating, so please keep it away from flammable materials and always keep an eye on the e-bike whilst charging.

Follow Instructions Carefully

When charging, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and never leave a battery charging unattended or charge it while you are sleeping. When it’s fully charged, unplug your charger right away. Always use the correct charger for your batteries – buy replacements from reputable sellers only.

Where To Charge Your E-bike

Be mindful not to block your escape route with e-bikes when storing them; store them in an area away from paths or exits.

Prepare an escape plan with your family in case of a fire – if one does start, dial 999 immediately instead of trying to tackle it yourself.

Nottingham Lithium-ion battery fire

Three children seriously injured in Nottingham house fire caused by Lithium-ion battery

by with No Comment News

Three children were seriously injured after a house fire in Nottingham, with one suffering from severe burns. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue has issued a statement after the incident on Monday, July 10.

Firefighters were called to the blaze shortly after 5:40pm at a property on Longford Crescent in Bulwell. Fire crews from Stockhill, Arnold and Hucknall all attended the fire.

Three children were rescued from the house by a neighbour. One of these children was left with severe burns. They were all taken to hospital by ambulance, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said.

The fire was found to have been caused by a fault in a large Lithium-ion battery. This exploded; as many Lithium-ion battery fires do; and caused severe burn injuries to one of the children.

Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “We would like to wish a speedy recovery to those injured and affected in the incident earlier this week.”

“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in everyday technology and household items such as laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, e-scooters and DIY tools. If not handled and cared for correctly, can become extremely dangerous and behave in a volatile manner causing catastrophic damage and injuries.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting residents around Longford Cresent on Monday, July 17 to reassure residents and offer free Safe and Well visits to check smoke alarms.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere but how are they dangerous and what causes them to start fires? Most of the time Lithium-ion batteries are safe and will never start a fire with safe and sensible usage, but when they are used with little care, this is when they can be a danger. Here at Fireology, we stress the importance of proper use of these batteries and devices with them inside.

Lithium-ion battery fires

Lithium-ion Battery Fires An Overview

by with One Comment Lithium-ion Battery Fires

The Lithium-ion battery was invented in 1982. These batteries are completely different from the standard lithium battery. Lithium batteries are the standard non-rechargeable batteries and are very safe. Lithium-ion batteries, however, are rechargeable and this is where the problems come from. Lithium-ion battery fires are not common but the odds can be increased by the wrong practices. These batteries are not unsafe as such but they certainly have their risks.

As these batteries are rechargeable they store lots of energy relative to their size. As they are so small, they are very accessible and therefore are used for all different rechargeable products of all different shapes and sizes.

As the technology has developed for these Lithium-ion batteries, they have been able to hold more and more energy relative to their size, and this is what has made them more dangerous as time has progressed. In the modern household, they can be seen everywhere from our phones, watches, laptops, earphones and even more recently popular e-bikes and e-scooters which have been shown to be the most dangerous in the latest statistics. There have been 102 fires associated with e-bikes and scooters so far in 2023. This then forecasts to 338 for the whole year. This is a massive increase from the 227 fires caused by electrical scooters and bikes in 2022.

Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere but how are they dangerous and what causes them to start fires? Most of the time Lithium-ion batteries are safe and will never start a fire with safe and sensible usage, but when they are used with little care, this is when they can be a danger.

Overcharging

One of the causes of the Lithium-ion battery actually setting on fire is when the battery is overcharged. This is when the battery is constantly being charged over its optimal charge window and even still past 100%. The biggest culprit for this is people such as phone users who leave their phones charging overnight, every night. This then eventually over time wears the battery out until just one time it could explode and burst into flames.

This is also a growing problem with e-bikes and e-scooters as they are another common item that is left to charge for extended periods of time. Lithium-ion batteries have an optimal window of charge which is 30-70% and maybe 20-80% for some products. If a battery is kept in this window at all times, the wear on the battery will stay minimal for a long time, therefore leading to longer life of the battery and less chance of it starting a fire.

Overheating

Another factor is whether the battery is overheating. Overheating can be caused by many different things such as blocked ventilation or overexposure to direct heat such as the sun. With electrical cars or EVs using large Lithium-ion batteries to function, these can also have this as an added risk. In a few situations overheating due to being in extreme heat for too long has led to fires in the batteries of the electric cars. These fires are usually very dangerous as an EV has a huge Lithium-ion battery in it which then will explode into flames if this problem occurs. The battery itself is spread along the whole bottom of the car. Some cases of this have been involved with Teslas that have gone up in flames by overheating. 

Another common reason for Lithium-ion battery fires being caused by overheating is leaving products such as phones charging under objects like pillows or blankets where ventilation is poor. These fires are dangerous as they are likely in or under a very flammable material and would allow the fire to spread with ease.

Spreading knowledge and knowing about the dangers of Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is important as they are a growing danger in the modern home and in modern life in general. With these fires’ spontaneous nature and their huge dangers, e-bikes and e-scooters have been banned from all London transport systems after a number of fires on the network caused by these rechargeable vehicles. 

Disposal

Li-ion battery fires can sometimes occur after the disposal of the batteries themselves. These can happen if the battery is penetrated or crushed. These scenarios are a danger when disposing of and maybe even still at the end of the life of one of these batteries. 

When a Lithium-ion battery is penetrated, this can lead to the potent electrolytes leaking through the hole in the battery, which then often creates a chemical reaction that releases heat. This in turn heats the other cells in the battery and can lead to thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway is when a cell of the Li-ion battery enters a self-heating uncontrollable stage which leads to an explosion and then a fire. This is a huge danger when disposing of these batteries, on a domestic scale officials recommend placing and leaving the batteries in salt water for at least two weeks and then disposing of them as hazardous waste. If one of these batteries were to get to landfill and get damaged this could lead to thermal runaway and then turn into a huge fire causing the whole site to get engulfed in flames. So when disposing of and dealing with damaged Li-ion batteries please take great care.

Dealing with Lithium-ion battery fires

So if a Li-ion battery fire does occur, what are you supposed to do and how do you deal with it? If you know about fire classification, you may think these would fall into Class D fires (flammable metals). However, this is incorrect. This also means they cannot be extinguished with the Specialist Class D extinguishers like flammable metal fires can.

However, there are some types of fire extinguishers that can extinguish these very dangerous fires. Some of the latest products that are being developed and produced are AVD Vermiculite fire extinguishers and EV fire blankets. The EV fire blanket is specifically designed for electric vehicles and is placed directly over the electric car to maintain the fire. These fires are much harder to put out as these fires burn at around 700℃ to 1,000℃ and can burn for up to 24 hours. But with the EV fire blanket, it can drastically reduce this time by depriving the fire of oxygen. 

The AVD Vermiculite fire extinguishers are products aimed to try to target all types of Li-ion battery fires. They are a water-based extinguishing system with vermiculite particles suspended in the water to act as a smothering tool to stop the fire from receiving oxygen. These extinguishers are designed to deprive the fire of heat and oxygen and act as an electrical barrier. Currently, there is no British standard for these types of extinguishers and technology, so the companies that produce them are working hard to get them certified for use industrially.

Firexo

However, there is one fire extinguisher that stands out in this field. That is the Firexo all-purpose fire extinguisher. This Firexo extinguisher can be used on all types of fires, including Lithium-ion battery fires. The Firexo extinguishers that we sell have the Kitemark to BS EN3 which means that are approved to British Standards. They also have the CE mark.

These extinguishers are non-toxic and biodegradable which makes them some of the most groundbreaking products of the fire industry. To find out more about Firexo click HERE.

Lithium-ion battery fire nottingham

Warning sent after faulty laptop causes home destroying fire in Nottingham

by with No Comment News

A fire investigation into a Nottingham house fire finds that the cause was a faulty laptop. This laptop was found to have suffered a lithium-ion battery failure after being left on charge overnight. The fire that it started destroyed the home of a family of four.

Around 3:35am on June 26, the fire service was called to a house on The Crescent in Woodthorpe, Nottingham.

The smoke alarms inside the house sounded meaning the family of four had a chance to escape in time. Had the fire alarms not been installed or working, the consequences could have been devastating.

Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “This is a very devastating incident in which a family lost their house and belongings.”

“I urge everyone not to continuously charge electrical devices and to ensure they are switched off at the wall socket overnight. When charging devices ensure they are charged using the manufactured product from the device provider.”

“Fortunately, due to the working smoke alarms within the property, the family managed to escape to safety. Make sure you test your alarms regularly as they save lives.”

Cases like this one emphasise the dangers of lithium-ion batteries. This simple failure could happen to anyone. Please avoid leaving electrical devices overnight or for an excessive period of time. To find out more, check out our blog on lithium-ion battery fires and the dangers of overcharging them by clicking HERE.

Lithium-ion batteries fire in Cannock

Firefighters investigating the cause of Cannock fire

by with No Comment News

Locals are given a reminder of the dangers when disposing of household waste, after a significant fire at the recycling centre in Cannock.

An investigation was launched into the cause of the fire, at the premises in Leacroft Lane was launched last Friday. Six crews attended the fire, which started just before 2pm on the day prior. Locals were advised to close all windows and doors for a significant amount of time through the afternoon.

The crews from, Cannock, Rugeley, Stafford, Lichfield and Penkridge were on site until 6:15pm when damping down began.

Cannock station manager Russ Brown, the incident commander at the scene, said: “I would like to thank the centre staff for their assistance in helping us to tackle the fire and establish some successful tactics to extinguish the blaze.”

“Without their swift actions, we could have seen the incident escalate.”

He said he would like to remind residents and businesses to ensure that they are safely disposing of their waste, particularly any Lithium-ion batteries which are often used in electronic devices. They should ensure they are stored in cool areas. As well as making sure nothing is covering them or blocking their extractors from working.

When disposing of Lithium-ion batteries, the correct action must be taken to minimise risks. To find out the practice to follow, find out in our blog post on Lithium-ion batteries HERE.