The rise in use of electronic devices and home working have brought new challenges for Staffordshire's firefighters – and sparked a plea to residents to consider fire risks in their homes and offices.

Lithium ion batteries, used in many gadgets and appliances such as phones, tablets, cameras and vacuum cleaners, may be unlikely to cause fires directly but they have the potential to accelerate fires should they come into contact with flames, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has warned.

The issue was raised at a fire service performance meeting on Wednesday (May 18). And the increase in residents working from home over the past two years prompted calls for those who have set up domestic workspaces to get them checked over by the Fire Service to reduce risks.

Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said: "We've seen a number of changes in terms of accidental dwelling fires. Technology's great on one hand, but it creates a risk on another hand.

"The amount of lithium ion batteries that are in every household now – every mobile phone, white good appliance – they're everywhere. And we are seeing issues associated with them.

"Some of the impacts of the economy as well, where people are getting phone chargers that aren't the reputable manufacturers' chargers and haven't gone through the appropriate testing, are causing issues. Batteries in phones being left on charge all night under a pillow that then insulates it are an issue.

"When we go and do our Safe and Well visits we're talking about the whole of the household. It used to be that hair straighteners had been left on and left on the carpet and setting on fire – we're now seeing far more gadgets within the room.

"Most households have got four or five electronic gadgets that all need charging, that are left on charge for long periods of time. Then we are getting issues with the lithium ion batteries.

"In addition to that the move to home working has created other issues. People are having offices in the garden shed or purpose-built offices made.

"If you have had that, contact the local station. They will be happy to come out and give some advice.

"Fit smoke detectors within those premises to make sure you have early warning should, God forbid, anything happen within those facilities. It's a free service, you can go on our website and look at the number – it's a free number.

"We will come out and do a risk assessment and offer some advice as well. It means all of our community members are as safe as they possibly can be. "

Staffordshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams said: "A couple of incidents related to home offices, external wooden buildings that might not have building regs to quite the extent that we would like. Everybody should be concerned about their own safety and their family and neighbours.

"We've got some technology and lifestyle changes that are impacting now but might more in the future – battery technology, not just in vehicles but to power houses and risks associated with batteries. Whether you've got a log burner or a new building space, there are associated risks so why not mitigate against them.

"New technologies can bring new risks and new challenges for firefighters. An important aspect of my Fire and Rescue Plan is for the service to stay ahead of these new developments so they can continue to respond safely to incidents.

"We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves safe, and by taking a few simple precautions, people can reduce the risk of fires caused by their household devices."

Residents are advised to store devices in cool areas and make sure there is nothing covering them or blocking their extractors from working. They should never store electronic devices in hot vehicles or areas prone to high-temperatures, should not use counterfeit chargers and attachments and should avoid leaving devices to charge overnight.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glynn Luznyj said: "Rechargeable batteries are used in a wide range of contexts within today's society – in the form of portable devices, power tools, vehicles and larger scale power supplies. Newer high energy density batteries, such as the lithium ion (Li-ion), are very common and may constitute a growing risk if they are involved in a fire.

"Fire and rescue services across the country are aware that traditional types, such as nickel metal hydride and older style lead acid, are still in use and that future developments could see the introduction of newer kinds, like lithium iron phosphate. Firefighters are developing their understanding of these hazards and the tactical considerations needed to resolve any emergency incidents, should they materialise."

The move away from petrol and diesel vehicles in the coming years is also considered an "emerging issue" for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The performance report presented to this month's meeting said: "There is an increasing challenge facing the fire sector with regards to alternative fuel systems. Alternative fuel for vehicles and general power supply is quickly becoming a more popular choice partly due to the Governments 'transport de-carbonisation plan' which sets out plans for a net zero carbon rail network by 2050, net zero domestic aviation by 2040, phasing out the sale of all none net zero HGVs by 2040 (and ending) the sale of all new petrol / diesel cars by 2030.

"Whilst the climate emergency must take precedence, the challenges posed by alternate fuels to fire and rescue services cannot be ignored. Unlike petrol and diesel car fires, which once extinguished are out, lithium-ion batteries can easily reignite once alight.

"Huge amounts of water are needed to cool the battery, then the power cables must be cut – which puts firefighters at risk of electrocution – and the toxic gases released from the battery add an extra layer of risk. A leading manufacturer for electric vehicles state that fires involving the lithium-ion batteries may take up to 24 hours to fully extinguish and then the vehicle should be quarantined for a further 48 hours to ensure safety should it reignite.

"Hydrogen or other alternative gas powered vehicles also pose a large risk when involved in fires. A recent move for larger vehicles such as buses and trains to be hydrogen powered has seen a number of fires that behave differently to that of standard fuel vehicles."