People buying electric bikes and e-scooters as Christmas gifts have been warned after a number of them went on fire.
It follows a number of blazes which are believed to have started in households while the devices were being charged.
In the latest incident this month, crews tackled a fire at an apartment in Cork thought to have been caused by an electric bike on charge in a bedroom.
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Dublin Fire Brigade’s Ray McMonagle last night warned charging lithium-ion (li-ion) batteries can create serious fire risks.
He stressed it is important to keep safety measures in mind.
Mr McMonagle said: “We are seeing fires that appear to have been a result of an e-scooter or bicycle’s battery failing.
“These incidents are happening in people’s houses, apartments and in commercial premises.
“Lithium-ion batteries or li-ion batteries (sometimes called LIBs) are the lightweight batteries that power e-scooters, e-bicycles and hoverboards.
“Unplug the charger if you are leaving your home, even for a short while.
“Never cover the devices with insulators, such as coats or jumpers.
“The battery will heat up during use and during charging and this heat needs to dissipate.”
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