Shed destroyed by fire from lithium-ion battery device left on charge - Queanbeyan

Published: 31 Jul 2024 03:59pm

A fire believed to have started from a lithium-ion battery powered electric bike or scooter left on charge has destroyed a shed in Queanbeyan today.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) were called to a property in Miller Street following reports of a fire around 7.15am.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a shed at the back of a property well alight and quickly got to work.

Crews took just over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze and there were no reported injuries.

The shed was completely destroyed in the fire.

FRNSW is urging the community to be extra vigilant when charging lithium-ion powered devices including:

  • 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
  • Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
  • Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
  • Try to charge devices outside if possible
  • 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
  • Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
  • Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home

For further information, visit the FRNSW website https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]

Updated: 31 Jul 2024 04:04pm

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Related safety topics

Battery and charging safety

It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.

Smoke alarms

It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.

Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

Stations nearby

QUEANBEYAN Fire Station

41 Campbell Street, Queanbeyan NSW 2620

BRAIDWOOD Fire Station

13 Park Lane, Braidwood NSW 2622

YASS Fire Station

90 Meehan Street, Yass NSW 2582