Quick thinking by a resident and an off-duty firefighter has prevented a Lithium battery explosion from burning down a home at Broken Hill, in the state's far west.
The resident started charging a newly-purchased solar power generator at his Morgan Street home around 5 pm on Sunday when the battery pack began sparking and making 'popping' noises. The man realized the cells were overheating and in danger of exploding in flames, and he quickly carried the device to his front porch.
Lithium battery dangers
The homeowner called Triple Zero (000), and a FRNSW crew was quickly on scene
Hearing the loud telltale 'bangs' of a Lithium battery reacting and violently releasing gas, the resident's neighbor, an off-duty Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer, rushed next door with a fire blanket and smothered the device as it caught fire and exploded.
The homeowner called Triple Zero (000), and a FRNSW crew was quickly on scene to extinguish the flames and extract smoke from the home.
It immersed the burning power pack in a barrel of water to prevent re-ignition. Firefighters have praised the resident's actions, which prevented a fiery explosion inside the house. FRNSW is continuing to warn the public about Lithium battery dangers.
Lithium battery fires
"Lithium battery fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and firefighters often have to use copious amounts of water to ensure they are doused and adequately cooled to prevent re-ignition," said Acting Deputy Commissioner - Field Operations, Trent Curtin.
There are a number of things people can do to prevent these fires:
- Don’t over-charge batteries or leave them charging overnight unattended or while asleep
- Only purchase reputable Lithium battery-powered products
- Don’t charge batteries and devices on beds, sofas, or around highly flammable and insulating materials
- Always use compliant and approved charging equipment for the device/s; don't mix and match unrelated components
- Avoid dropping, crushing, or piercing the battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials. Larger devices, such as e-bikes and gardening tools, should be stored outside of bedrooms and living spaces
- Don’t charge or use batteries and devices that show signs of damage
- Advice on recycling and disposal of used batteries is available on the FRNSW website.