Fire Door Safety Week 2026: Fire doors and reducing the risk of lithium-ion battery fires
The British Woodworking Federation's Fire Door Safety Week campaign kicks off on September 21st 2026. Each year the campaign's goal is to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in keeping people and buildings safe in the event of a fire.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022, states that employers must conform to legislation or risk liability. Part of conforming to the aforementioned legislation means that a responsible person must be appointed, sometimes known as an appointed person, with the duty of correctly assessing risks and to ensure that all fire doors are properly inspected, maintained and functional.
For expert advice on fire safety and how to protect your business, talk to a Croner Health and Safety professional. Call today on 0800 470 9999.
What are lithium-ion batteries?
A lithium-ion battery is used in a multitude of electronic devices, mostly in common electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. They are also commonly found in devices such as vapes and cordless power tools. Larger variants are used in electric vehicles, as well as e-bikes and scooters.
These rechargeable batteries offer a high-energy density in comparison to their size, and hold their charge well in comparison to other battery types.
The rise of lithium-ion battery fires
According to data collected by QBE in 2025 lithium-ion battery fires had 147%surge in frequency between 2022 and 2024. That means that UK fire brigades are tackling blazes caused by lithium-ion batteries at a rate of around 1 every 5 hours.
The biggest culprit of lithium-ion battery fires was electric bikes and scooters powered by lithium-ion batteries which had a huge 249% increase in fires linked to them in both commercial and residential premises. Statistics relating to the above indicated that more than half of e-bike (and e-scooter) owners fear that their devices could start a fire.
The QBE followed up this research by calling for greater awareness of the risks involving lithium-ion batteries, including safe charging, storage and disposal tips.
The British Woodworking Federation has highlighted the importance of fire doors as a way to ensure that people and property are safe in the event of a lithium-ion battery fire.
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), said:
“With e-bikes and e-scooters increasingly stored in homes and communal areas, correctly functioning fire doors can mean the difference between life and death. Fire doors are one of the most effective measures we have to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. They give people the precious time they need to evacuate safely – time that is even more critical when dealing with the intense heat and speed of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries...”
Helen added: "We all have a role to play in spotting and reporting problems with fire doors and taking immediate action to protect lives and property. Fire Door Safety Week is an essential reminder that correctly installed, well-maintained fire doors save lives – but only if we all take responsibility for ensuring they can do their job.”
London Fire Brigade Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Field said:
“We’re urging people never to store or charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways, stairwells or escape routes. If possible, keep them outdoors in a garage or shed. If you must keep one indoors, always place it in a room away from your main exit, so that if a fire does break out, you can close the door and get everyone to safety."
“Fire doors are a vital line of defence. When properly maintained and kept closed, they hold back flames and toxic smoke, giving you and your family valuable extra minutes to escape while firefighters respond..."
Ensure that your fire doors are correctly installed and maintained
Health and Safety director at Croner, Chris Wagstaff states:
"Business owners should take that regular inspections of fire doors take place to make sure the doors are fit for purpose and that they are correctly maintained to offer adequate fire protection. If repairs are needed, any fixes or alteration should be carried out by a competent or qualified professional as this could potentially compromise the door's effectiveness. Fire escapes and exits should always be kept clear of any items that could potentially obstruct the functionality of fire doors or the safe evacuation of the building."
Download our Free Fire Door Safety Checklist
Talk to a Croner Health and Safety professional and download our free fire door checklist resource to help your business ensure that all fire doors are correctly maintained.
Call today on 0800 470 9999.