Date of Request
October 23
Request
30.10.2023
Dear Sir/Madam
We would like to investigate whether there has been an increase in fires caused by items that contain lithium-ion batteries, particularly items that children or young people have access to, such as toys, phones and laptops etc.
Therefore, under Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations, I would like to request the following information:
-The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2021
-The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022
-The number of household fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2023 to 30.10.2023
-The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2021 to 31.12.2021
-The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2022
-The number of fires in dustcarts and waste-processing centres fires caused (or thought to be caused) by lithium-ion batteries in toys, toothbrushes, phones and laptops from 01.01.2023 to 30.10.2023
If possible, please can you detail what has caused the fire, or what is thought to have caused the fire so we can identify the source of the fire.
I would like you to provide this information in an excel document and have the data broken down by month per year so we can see if there are any spikes on particular months over the years. For instance, if there are any spikes in November, December or January when people may be clearing out homes in or around the Christmas period.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 07725355778 or Sian.Broad@uk.zurich.com should any aspect of my request require clarification, or you need more information from me to handle this enquiry.
Yours faithfully,
Response
Hi X
Thank you for your request for incident information which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000.
The Service can confirm the requested information is partially held and please find see the attached details. However, please note that these types of properties are not included in the property list of the incident report data so the incident search was based upon key words recorded within the Narrative Logs. This will change with the launch of the new incident report system by the Home Office within the next 12 to 18 months.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see above).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information
Information Governance Team