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Residents are being encouraged to take simple steps to protect themselves from lithium battery fires as Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service launches its Buy Safe, Charge Safe, Store Safe campaign.

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, from e-bikes and e-scooters to mobility equipment, mobile phones, tablets and power tools. While these batteries are generally safe when used correctly, damaged, poor-quality or incompatible batteries and chargers can pose a significant fire risk.

Battery fires can develop extremely quickly and produce intense heat, smoke and flames, making them difficult to tackle and potentially devastating for those involved.

When buying battery-powered products, residents are encouraged to purchase from reputable retailers and use chargers designed specifically for their device. Particular care should be taken with second-hand or converted e-bikes and e-scooters, where the history and condition of the battery may be unknown.

Safe charging is equally important. Batteries should be charged on a hard, flat surface and kept away from anything that could easily catch fire. People are also advised not to charge devices while they are asleep or away from home, and to avoid charging e-bikes, e-scooters or mobility equipment in hallways or other areas that could block an escape route during an emergency.

The campaign also highlights the importance of storing batteries safely. Batteries should be kept somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Any battery that appears damaged, swollen, leaking or unusually hot should not be used or charged. When batteries reach the end of their life, they should be recycled responsibly rather than disposed of in household waste.

Residents are also being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of a failing lithium battery. These can include:

• Unusual heat

• Swelling

• Hissing or cracking sounds

• An unusual smell

• Smoke

If any of these signs are noticed, stop using or charging the battery immediately and move away from the device if it is safe to do so.

If a lithium battery starts smoking or catches fire, the advice is clear: get out, stay out and call 999. Lithium battery fires can spread rapidly and behave unpredictably, so people should never put themselves at risk by attempting to tackle the fire themselves.

For more information about lithium battery safety and how to reduce the risk of fire, visit www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/batteries.