NSW Fire and Rescue has issued a warning about Lithium Batteries after seeing an increase in the number of fires involving lithium-ion batteries and the devices they power.
On Friday, 17 February 2023 an E-bike with a compromised Lithium-Ion Battery caught fire in Chatswood.
The bike caught alight at a Council depot in Gibbes Street just before 11 am.
The fire in the bike’s lithium-ion battery compartment was extinguished by a council worker using an extinguisher.
When firefighters arrived, they continued to cool the battery, then submerged it in water.
Lithium-ion batteries can reignite with fierce intensity and without notice.
Firefighters have determined the battery ignited after it had been cut by a worker trying to dispose of the bicycle, disposed of in a skip bin.
“Lithium-ion batteries are safe, however, they can ignite with explosive force if they overheat, are cut or suffer a significant impact,” Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.
“FRNSW recommends that you purchase battery-powered equipment from a reputable retailer, make sure it meets Australian safety standards, charge the battery in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and never cut a battery.
“If the battery shows any damage, including bulging or cracks, discard it.
Earlier this week, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) specialist fire investigators blamed a faulty lithium-ion battery for a fire that destroyed a villa at Epping in Sydney.
After sifting through the debris of the Kent Street address and talking to the occupants, fire investigators determined a lithium-ion battery purchased second-hand had a catastrophic failure, causing the intense fire on Wednesday.
A solar panel system located in the rear yard was charging the battery, located inside the home, when the blaze broke out.
FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said although the fire was devastating for the family, it could have been a lot worse…thankfully there were no injuries.
“Had this inferno ignited in the middle of the night, we could be talking about fatalities today,” Supt Dewberry said.
“Our advice to the community is ‘always consider where you purchase your lithium-ion batteries and associated equipment.’
“It is not a good idea to purchase them second-hand, especially when you don’t know the history of the products.
“We recommend always purchasing from a reputable retailer and recharging the batteries with equipment provided by the manufacturer.”
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