Fire and Rescue NSW issues Lithium-ion battery warning after blazes break out in two homes - NSW
Published: 23 Nov 2023 02:26pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is issuing an urgent warning about the dangers of Lithium-ion batteries after separate fires in Sydney's inner west and the state's Northern Rivers.
Around 8:50am today, FRNSW crews were called to Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters, where a home-made e-bike and battery pack had ignited in the rear yard of a home.
Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze.
They also placed the battery in water to prevent it from heating uncontrollably and causing a larger fire or an explosion of cells - a process known as thermal runaway.
Investigations have revealed the battery was cheaply produced and charged using an incompatible charging device, prior to the fire.
In a separate incident, a Lismore home has been destroyed by fire caused by two pallets of imported Lithium-ion batteries that went up in flames yesterday.
Multiple FRNSW crews attacked and extinguished the blaze, which broke out below the two-storey property on Magellan Street just after 11:30am.
It's understood a battery in the shipment was damaged, causing it to ignite.
Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of either incident.
FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, said both incidents are a reminder about the need to exercise caution around Lithium-ion batteries.
"You should only choose reputable brands of Lithium-ion batteries, and never try to make your own or reconfigure existing batteries," Supt Dewberry said.
"The consequences when things go wrong with Lithium-ion batteries can be disastrous and potentially life-threatening.
"You must ensure you are always correctly sourcing and storing Lithium-ion batteries, and they are not damaged in any way, otherwise this can trigger a catastrophic fire or explosion."
Additional safety information is available via the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389 [external link]
EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional photos from the St Peters and Lismore scenes are available on the FRNSW website.
Updated: 23 Nov 2023 02:30pm
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.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
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