Marathon operation to extinguish burning semi, carrying Lithium-ion batteries - Kempsey
Published: 09 Sep 2024 02:13pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews on the state's north coast have carried out a prolonged operation to extinguish a fierce fire which has engulfed a semi-trailer and its load of Lithium-ion batteries.
FRNSW received numerous Triple-Zero (000) calls just before 2.30 this morning about the rig alight in the northbound lanes of the Pacific Highway, south of Kempsey.
Eight fire trucks and 32 firefighters from Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Wauchope, rushed to the scene, assisted by the Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Transport for NSW.
The uninjured truck driver managed to uncouple the b-double and drive the prime mover away from his two burning trailers.
The truck had been carrying a mixed load, including several pallets of Lithium-Ion batteries.
Firefighters managed to contain the fire just over four hours later but the intense heat meant the flames weren't extinguished until after 11am.
Authorities advised local residents to remain indoors and close windows and doors during the operation.
Specialist hazardous materials (HAZMAT) firefighters monitored the fire run-off and environmental risks.
Firefighters carefully identified and removed the batteries from the smouldering debris, placing them in HAZMAT containers to prevent potential re-ignition and dangerous gas release.
It's not yet known if the Lithium-ion batteries caused the fire or whether they only intensified the blaze.
Updated: 09 Sep 2024 02:18pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
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
78 Elbow St, Kempsey NSW 2440
49 Lindsay Noonan Dr, South West Rocks NSW 2431
5 Central Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444