FRNSW Warns Of Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Risks

18 Apr 2023

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Summary is AI-generated, newsdesk-reviewed

FRNSW advises storing Lithium-Ion batteries outside to prevent Thermal Runaway fires.
Lithium-Ion batteries difficult to extinguish, often re-ignite causing risk in homes.
Ensure batteries are compatible, charge on non-combustible surfaces, have smoke alarms.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has issued a warning about the dangers of Lithium-Ion batteries following a recent fire incident in Sydney. On Friday, April 14, an e-bike battery caught fire inside a duplex on Sydney Road, Balgowlah, due to overheating in a process called "Thermal Runaway." FRNSW recommends that the public store and charge these batteries outside their homes when possible to mitigate potential risks.

Incident Details

The fire started shortly after 9 am when the battery overheated while charging in the lounge room. The family of four residing in the home heard a 'popping' sound as the battery began to degrade. They attempted to extinguish the flames with water, but the battery re-ignited and exploded, projecting flaming debris nearly three meters across the room. Fortunately, the family evacuated unharmed, and responding firefighters submerged the malfunctioning battery in water to halt further explosions.

Expert Insights

FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit's Inspector Chris Hughes examined the affected lounge room, noting multiple impact marks on the walls and ceiling caused by the explosion. "When Lithium-Ion batteries go into Thermal Runaway and explode fiercely like this, the debris has potential to start numerous fires in the home," Inspector Hughes explained.

Lithium-Ion Battery Risks

"Lithium-Ion batteries are particularly difficult to extinguish as they often re-ignite, causing further risk. In this case, the battery and charger were compatible," stated Inspector Hughes. "We’re urging the public to charge and store Lithium-Ion batteries outside the home where possible, reducing the likelihood of harm and the risk of homes burning down."

Safety Recommendations

For those who cannot charge these batteries outside, the FRNSW advises placing them on non-combustible surfaces and avoiding locations that obstruct exits. It is also crucial to maintain the batteries and devices in good condition, use compatible and reputable brands, and ensure homes are equipped with functional smoke alarms and fire escape plans, especially as winter approaches.

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Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators, examining the scene of Sydney’s latest Lithium-Ion battery fire, are urging the public to safely store and charge the cells outside the home if possible.

Just after 9 am on Friday, 14 April, an e-bike battery, on charge in the lounge room of a duplex in Sydney Road, Balgowlah, began to suddenly overheat in a process known as “Thermal Runaway.”

A family of four inside the home heard a ‘popping’ noise as the battery began disintegrating and they threw water on the cell, but it re-ignited and exploded moments later, sending burning debris almost three meters across the room.

Family safe

FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit Inspector Chris Hughes inspected the scene

The family escaped the home unharmed as firefighters arrived and placed the damaged battery in a bucket of water to prevent further re-ignition.

FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit Inspector Chris Hughes inspected the scene and numerous impact points on the lounge room walls and ceiling.

“When Lithium-Ion batteries go into Thermal Runaway and explode fiercely like this, the debris has potential to start numerous fires in the home,” Inspector Hughes said.

Dangers of Lithium-Ion batteries

“Lithium-Ion batteries are particularly difficult to extinguish as they often re-ignite, causing further risk. In this case, the battery and charger were compatible,” continued Inspector Hughes.

“We’re urging the public to charge and store Lithium-Ion batteries outside the home where possible so if they do overheat and explode, the chances of harm are reduced and there’s less risk of homes burning down.”

“Where it’s not practicable, charge lithium-ion batteries on a non-combustible surface and not in an entry/exit pathway, ensure your batteries and devices are in good condition and are compatible. Stick to reputable brands and ensure your home has a working smoke alarm and a fire escape plan, especially as we head into winter.”

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