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Fire Safety at Home – Especially When Handling Batteries

Lithium batteries are found in more and more devices at home — but if handled incorrectly, they can cause fires. Learn how to charge and store batteries safely, and what to keep in mind to reduce the fire risk in your home.

The risk of residential fires increases during the winter, especially around the holiday season. Candles are a common cause, but today, one of the biggest risks comes from batteries and charging electronic devices.

More and more items in our homes now rely on lithium batteries — from toys and e-bikes to power banks, toothbrushes, cameras, and remote controls. These batteries are efficient and compact, but if handled incorrectly, they can quickly cause serious fires.

A fire caused by a lithium battery can spread rapidly, is very difficult to extinguish, and produces toxic smoke. In some cases, just storing too many batteries in one place can be enough to start a fire.

Why are lithium batteries especially risky?

Lithium batteries contain flammable electrolyte fluid and are sensitive to heat, impact, and improper charging. If a battery becomes damaged or overheats, it may trigger a thermal runaway — meaning it heats itself until it catches fire. A single cell can even ignite neighboring batteries, creating a chain reaction.

Fires can occur even without visible damage, particularly if batteries are stored together in unsuitable conditions or used with low-quality chargers.

How to reduce the risk

The most important step is how and where you charge battery-powered devices. Charging should always be done under supervision and on a hard, non-flammable surface. Avoid charging on sofas, beds, or near curtains and other flammable materials.

Never charge devices in hallways or stairwells, as these are essential emergency exit routes.

For larger devices such as e-bikes or scooters, outdoor charging is often safer. However, keep in mind that charging on balconies can still pose a risk of spreading fire to neighboring homes.

Always use certified chargers and batteries. Cheap or counterfeit products often lack built-in safety features and are overrepresented in fire incidents. Use CE-marked, original equipment designed specifically for your device.

Safe battery storage

Improper battery storage is another major risk. Many people store used batteries in plastic bags or boxes, often tucked away in closets or cabinets. The more batteries you keep together, the greater the risk that one may short-circuit and cause others to ignite.

To store batteries safely:
  • Tape over the terminals to prevent short-circuits
  • Use non-flammable containers such as a glass jar with a lid, a metal box with internal insulation, or ideally, a fireproof cabinet
  • Avoid paper, cardboard, or plastic containers
  • Store away from flammable materials
  • Recycle used batteries as soon as possible

If a fire starts

If you suspect a battery fire, call 112 immediately and evacuate your home.

Always close the door behind you — the door acts as a fire barrier, helping to prevent the fire from spreading into stairwells or neighboring units.

Never try to extinguish a battery fire yourself unless you are trained and fully confident. The smoke is highly toxic, and the fire can escalate very quickly.

What to keep at home

To be prepared:
  • At least one smoke alarm per floor, ideally in every bedroom
  • A 6 kg dry powder fire extinguisher
  • A fire blanket, especially in the kitchen and near charging stations

With the right knowledge and a few simple routines, you can help protect both yourself and your neighbors. Review how you charge and store your batteries, and make sure you’re prepared in case something goes wrong.

Want to know more? You’ll find additional fire safety tips here.