Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has expressed concerns about the rising rate of Lithium-Ion battery fires as crews respond to more than 60 lithium-ion battery fires this year, including one that ended in tragedy.
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The tragic house fire that claimed the lives of two women at Teralba in late February is believed to have been started by a lithium-ion battery and FRNSW are urging the public to be extra cautious.
FRNSW commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said lithium-ion battery fires are extremely intense and volatile.
"Even our firefighters find putting them out challenging because they burn so hot," he said.
On March 14, a tradesman drove to Tingira Heights Fire Station just after 4pm after noticing a large amount of smoke in his rear vision mirror.
He stopped to inspect the toolbox and found an unattached hedger battery was on fire. He covered the flames in dirt and continued to the fire station.
Firefighters observed the dirt was bubbling. The battery had entered a phase known as 'thermal runaway' where the cell gasses off and threatens to explode.
An hour later, nine fire trucks rushed to Apprentice Drive, Berkeley Vale when an electric vehicle charging station caught alight.
In a third lithium-ion battery-related blaze, a fire broke out in the rear of a garbage truck in Sydney's West.
Commissioner Fewtrell urges the public to use extra caution when using lithium-ion batteries.
"When they go into 'thermal runaway,' the danger is immediate," he said.
"It's vital the public follows our safety advice around these batteries."
Fire and Rescue NSW warns people:
- Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging
- Don't leave them constantly on charge
- If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don't throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Don't leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never 'mix and match' components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Don't store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home or business
For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392.
Laura Rumbel
Laura Rumbel is a journalist who has always called Maitland home. She has been with the Maitland Mercury since 2022, and is passionate about all areas of local news.
Laura Rumbel is a journalist who has always called Maitland home. She has been with the Maitland Mercury since 2022, and is passionate about all areas of local news.
