The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) has issued a warning after a rise in battery fires.
In the period from April 2024 to March 2025, Hampshire Fire say there were 156 battery-related blazes, an increase of 64 from the previous year.
Southampton alone has recorded 24 battery fires since 2022.
Earlier this month, St Mary’s and Eastleigh firefighters responded to a second-floor flat fire in Southampton involving an electric scooter, which was quickly removed from the property.
On another day this month, in the early hours of the morning, Hamble, Hightown and St Mary’s crews were called to a lithium-ion battery scooter blaze, which spread from an outbuilding to the roof space of a bungalow.
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HIWFRS prevention manager Tracey Webb said: "At this time of year, we know lots of you across Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be out searching for the best gifts to give to your loved ones – we want to ensure those gifts are safe and don’t present a fire risk."
"When buying electrical products such as phones, tablets, e-scooters and other lithium-ion battery devices, we ask that you only do so from reputable retailers, ensuring they meet UK Safety Standards.
"Use the charger your product came with, don’t overload sockets and never leave them plugged in overnight or unattended."
