Firefighters battle flames at a home in Upwey in a fire linked to a lithium-ion battery charger.
Photo by
Travis Easton
Victorian fire services are warning of the fire risk of everyday household products.
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Present in laptops, mobile phones, e-bikes, e-scooters, power banks and power tools, lithium-ion batteries are an emerging fire risk.
On April 19 in Upwey, a family lost their home in a fire linked to a lithium-ion battery charger.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said the Upwey incident was a reminder of how quickly lithium-ion battery fires could escalate.
“Lithium-ion batteries have become part of everyday life, but many people still underestimate the fire risk,” Mr Cook said.
“These fires can start quickly and spread just as fast, which is why it is so important people take simple precautions when charging and storing these devices.”
FRV deputy commissioner community safety and operational training Joshua Fischer said Victorians should be aware of what could lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire.
“Firefighters are continuing to respond to around one fire each day caused by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries,” Mr Fischer said.
“While these types of batteries are in many devices we use every day, the good news is that we can minimise the fire risk by knowing what to look for and following a few steps.”
If an e-product catches on fire, Victorians are urged to call triple zero immediately, even if you no longer see flames or smoke.
The CFA and FRV said that residents should not attempt to put out an e-product fire themselves, as the batteries involved could release toxic gases and generate explosions.
With many battery-related fires starting in household bins, garbage trucks and waste facilities, Victorian fire services remind residents that lithium-ion batteries cannot go in regular waste or recycling collection bins.
To reduce your risks of a fire caused by a rechargeable lithium-on battery, the CFA and FRV recommend you:
Purchase products from a reputable supplier and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Charge items in rooms with smoke alarms.
Charge items away from doors and escape routes so you can exit a property safely.
Only use chargers and cords that are originally supplied with that device.
Only use batteries that are designed for that device.
Check that chargers have the Regulatory Compliance Mark, to show that they meet the relevant Australian Standards.
Avoid charging on soft locations such as couches, beds and carpets.
Don’t use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling or bulging, leaking, overheating, or signs of mechanical damage.
Victorian fire services are warning of the fire risk of everyday household products after an e-product fire at a home in Upwey, Victoria.
Photo by
Travis Easton
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