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May 16, 2024

Lithium battery warning after two Norfolk house fires

An urgent warning has been issued after two "devastating fires" in Norfolk homes sparked by vacuum cleaners exploding while they were charging up. Both of the blazes started when lithium-ion batteries

An urgent warning has been issued after two "devastating fires" in Norfolk homes sparked by vacuum cleaners exploding while they were charging up.

Both of the blazes started when lithium-ion batteries in the devices blew up, with one of the homes so badly damaged it was rendered uninhabitable.

Norfolk County Council’s Trading Standards team issued a warning about the dangers of non-manufacturer-approved replacement batteries and chargers, following the fires in Watton and Swaffham.

The fire at a newly-built home in Swaffham, at the start of this month, was caused when the cordless vacuum cleaner, fitted with a replacement non-manufacturer-approved battery, overheated and exploded.

Damage to Ken Mould's Swaffham home after a vacuum cleaner exploded (Image: Ken Mould)

Ken Mould, 78, had only been in the house, in Swan's Nest, for two days, having moved to Norfolk from Bedfordshire, when the fire broke out.

He said: "The fire was absolutely devastating. We'd left the vacuum charging, while my wife and I went into town, but when we came back there were flames through the windows.

"We'd bought the batteries on Amazon and they were a bit cheaper than the official Dyson ones.

"We've not been able to live there and have had to move in with my daughter and son-in-law.

"We had left the doors open to air the house out with it being new, but that allowed the smoke to spread to every room causing an incredible amount of damage.

"Every knock and cranny was covered in soot. It has been very expensive, with electrical equipment such as televisions, laptops and iPads all damaged. I keep hoping to wake up and find it hasn't happened.

"I’d encourage everyone to follow the advice of Trading Standards and the fire service to make sure that this doesn’t happen to them. People who think that this won’t happen to them, let me tell you, it can."

Four fire engines went to the home and fought the flames.

READ MORE: Fire fears over huge battery storage plants for wind farm

The second fire, in a Watton home in the middle of this month, broke out after a malfunctioning cordless vacuum cleaner overheated and exploded when left on charge unattended.

Two fire crews fought the flames, but the house was rendered uninhabitable.

Sophie Leney, head of Norfolk Trading Standards (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Sophie Leney, head of Norfolk Trading Standards, said: "We are aware of several devices which have malfunctioned and resulted in fires and property damage.

"It’s really important that people always check for the required safety marks on items and follow the advice from the fire service.

"You should only purchase products from genuine suppliers, and only use replacement parts which are from a manufacturer-approved supplier."

When buying electrical items, people are urged to only buy from a reputable retailer and make sure there is a UKCA or CE mark, which means the product meets safety standards.

READ MORE: Warning after Norfolk tests find serious safety risks with e-scooters

Watchdogs said people should avoid buying any electrical item, replacement battery packs and chargers from third-party online or private second-hand sellers, as these could be unsafe.

Norfolk's chief fire officer Ceri Sumner (Image: Norfolk County Council)

The issue of lithium batteries was raised by Norfolk's chief fire officer Ceri Sumner last month, when she said the issue was "keeping her awake at night".

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service made lithium batteries - large-scale versions of which are used to store electricity from wind and solar farms - an "emerging risk" on its community risk management plan, used to assess dangers facing the county.

How to keep your home safe

To reduce your risk of fire, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service recommend:

Not leaving items plugged in and switched on when unattended, ensure items are switched off and unplugged as soon as they have finished charging or no longer in use.

Never charge items overnight when you are asleep.

Always use the charger which came with the item.

Keep doors closed to help avoid spreading smoke and fire.

Make sure you have a smoke alarm on each level, and test it regularly, at least once a month, but ideally once a week.

If you’re concerned about the safety of an item, stop using it and call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 to report concerns.

If you’re concerned about fire safety in the home, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/fire for online advice and to see if you’re eligible for a free home fire safety visit. In an emergency always call 999.