Lithium-Ion battery dangers and high-tech to headline Fire and Rescue’s presence at this weekend’s Hawkesbury Show - Hawkesbury

Published: 24 Apr 2023 09:38am

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will use its strong presence at the Hawkesbury Show this weekend to warn the public about the dangers posed by Lithium-Ion batteries.

Fire investigators will demonstrate how compromised or damaged batteries can overheat and enter what’s known as ‘Thermal Runaway” where they are at high risk of exploding and starting significant fires.

There were 213 suspected Lithium-Ion-related battery incidents attended by FRNSW across the state last year.

29% related to unspecified batteries or chargers 16% e-bikes or e-scooters 16% mobile phones or laptop batteries 14% related to power tool batteries

Also on display will be Fire and Rescue’s ‘Cell on Wheels’ technology.

The portable hub has successfully been used by FRNSW to supply temporary WiFi and satellite phone communications to communities devastated by floods over the past two years.

Firefighters from 81 Station (Windsor) and 82 Station (Richmond) will staff the FRNSW display, ready to provide essential home safety advice including working smoke alarm and home escape plan recommendations.

There will also be firefighter hats and activity books for the kids.

Additional attractions will include:

*Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones used for rescues, damage assessments, Hazard Reduction burns, mapping and a host of other FRNSW missions

*A new $2.5m Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Aerial Platform Pumper, the newest engine in the FRNSW fleet, capable of issuing 6000 litres of water a minute, making it the most powerful pump on any of our appliances and boasting a ladder than can extend 25m

*Our Ignitable Liquid Detection canines will be at the Show from 11am each day…see how we put these very smart Labradors to work

*Our Turbine-aided Firefighting TAF20 remote-controlled appliance will form part of our static display…explore fire-fighting techniques of the future

*Our rescue capabilities will also be on display including tools used in road crash and water rescues

*Staff from the Museum of Fire will also be there with an historic display and merchandise

FRNSW is proud of its public engagement at the Hawkesbury Show and has earned the prize for ‘Best Public Service Exhibit’ two years in a row.

Visit the FRNSW stand this weekend.

The Hawkesbury Agricultural Show is open to the public from Friday 28 April through to Sunday 30th April at the showgrounds, 40 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.

Gates are open from 9am till 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 9am till 4pm on Sunday. 

Updated: 24 Apr 2023 09:43am

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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]