Battery fire evidence checklist

Gathering evidence properly, and in a sensible order, makes a real difference later. None of these steps asks you to do anything unsafe, and safety always comes first — the order below reflects that.

Make sure everyone is safe first

Before anything else, confirm that everyone involved is safe and that the property has been declared safe to re-enter. Do not go back into a damaged property to collect evidence, take photographs, or retrieve belongings until the fire service or another relevant authority has confirmed it is safe. A damaged lithium battery can remain a fire risk long after the initial fire is out, so this is not a step to rush.

Get the fire service incident reference

Ask the attending firefighters for the incident reference number before they leave, if you have not already been given one. Note the date, time, and the fire station or brigade that attended. We would ask you for that reference, and it is much harder to track down after the event than at the scene.

Photograph everything before anything is moved

Once it is safe to do so, photograph the damaged battery, charger or device, the surrounding damage, and anything that looks like a possible defect — swelling, scorch marks, melted casing, or similar. Take photographs from multiple angles and in good light where you can, and do it before anything is cleaned up, moved, or thrown away.

Keep the physical item safely

Do not throw away the damaged battery, charger, or device, even if it looks beyond repair. Store it somewhere safe, away from anything flammable, bearing in mind that a damaged lithium battery can still pose a fire risk in storage. If you are unsure how to store one safely, follow the fire service's own guidance on handling damaged lithium batteries rather than guessing, and ask the attending crew before they leave if you can.

Gather purchase and ownership records

Collect any receipts, order confirmations, account order histories, product registration details, or warranty documents relating to the item involved. These establish what the product was, when it was bought, and who supplied it — the details that decide whether a product-liability route is open.

Record correspondence

Keep copies of any messages or correspondence relevant to the fire. That might include communication with a landlord or managing agent about fire safety or maintenance, messages with an employer about workplace charging arrangements, or contact with a retailer or manufacturer about the product — both before and after the fire.

Note any injuries and get them recorded

If anyone was injured, make sure it is recorded through medical attention at the time or as soon as possible afterwards. Medical records created close to the event carry far more weight than a description written up months later, so have any injury looked at and documented promptly.

What we do with this evidence

Evidence gathered this way supports any assessment of whether a compensation route is open to you. Our eligibility guide explains how we approach that assessment. We are not taking enquiries yet, so keep your evidence safe rather than sending it anywhere.

We are not taking enquiries. We have no enquiry form, telephone number or email address in service, and nothing you send can reach us at present.

This page is general information about how these claims work — it is not advice about your own case.