Surge in lithium-ion battery fires, explosions spark public warning

A family of seven had a narrow escape after a lithium-related blaze destroyed this Penshurst home in Sydney last month. Photo: FRNSW

The public needs to wake up to the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, Fire and Rescue NSW says.

The warning follows 13 battery fires across NSW in eight days, including four in 12 hours last week with 25 fires this year so far, FRNSW says.

In one incident in southwest Sydney, two were injured as firefighters extinguished an e-scooter that had exploded; one was injured by flying shrapnel.

The agency believes the fire was caused by an incorrect charger used in tandem with a modified device, two of the leading causes of lithium-ion battery related fires.

FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell says they had at least 318 lithium-ion battery fires in NSW last year, “well up on the 272 of 2023 and 165 in 2022”.

“We know they are on the rise, but people are still taking dangerous risks in their homes,” he says.

“Please, heed our advice. Lithium-ion fires are happening to households almost every day.

“We had two people die in such a fire last year, we had a family of seven narrowly escape a lithium-related blaze that destroyed their home at Penshurst late last month and we had to rescue three residents and a dog from a high-rise e-bike fire at Merrylands West around the same time,” Fewtrell says.

“People are aware of the risks but are still willing to overcharge their lithium-ion batteries, leave them on charge when they sleep or mix and match power cords. It’s a recipe for disaster and they need to stop now.

“Don’t charge lithium-ion-powered devices near exit points. In at least three of the recent fires, residents were trapped by the flames and were forced to flee through windows.”

FRNSW TIPS

Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-battery-powered devices charging
Don’t leave them constantly on charge
Don’t throw any lithium-ion batteries out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
Contact your local council or 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.