Close call for resident as Lithium-ion battery sparks unit fire - Dee Why
Published: 07 Aug 2024 11:19am
A man has narrowly escaped an apartment fire, caused by a faulty Lithium-Ion battery, at Dee Why on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The resident was charging a battery pack for a remote-controlled plane in his unit just after 8pm on Sunday (4 August) when it burst into flames.
Quick-thinking by the occupant limited the spread of the fire.
He managed to place the burning charger and battery into a fire-proof bag, which he placed on his balcony as he called Triple Zero (000) for help.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Dee Why and Narrabeen rushed to the scene and the damaged components were immersed in a bucket of water to prevent re-ignition.
The resident told firefighters the battery was about halfway through charging when it caught fire.
Firefighters ventilated the unit, clearing it of smoke.
The occupant was not injured.
FRNSW urges the public to be extra cautious when charging Lithium-ion batteries and related devices.
- 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: 07 Aug 2024 11:24am
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
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
38 Fisher Road, Dee Why NSW 2099
9 Ocean Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101
128 Sydney Road, Fairlight NSW 2094