E-bikes, e-scooters and battery storage systems are causing a surge in building fires. Understanding and mitigating the risk.. The Li Ion Fire Challenge London Fire Brigade attended over 150 e bike and e scooter fires in 2023 alone — a 60% increase year on year. Why Li Ion Fires Are Different Thermal runaway — self sustaining exothermic reaction Toxic gases — hydrogen fluoride and other lethal fumes Re ignition — can reignite hours after apparent extinguishment Water resistance — requires significantly more water to suppress Building Management Measures Prohibit charging in communal areas and escape routes Provide dedicated, ventilated charging rooms with suppression Install Li Ion specific detection systems Resident communication and awareness campaigns Design Considerations for New Buildings Dedicated storage with enhanced fire resistance (60 min minimum) Smoke ventilation to charging/storage areas Electrical infrastructure to support safe charging For lithium ion fire risk advice, contact Magnus Opifex. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.