Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews on the state's north coast have carried out a prolonged operation to extinguish a fierce fire which has engulfed a semi-trailer and its load of Lithium-ion batteries.
FRNSW received numerous Triple-Zero (000) calls just before 2.30 this morning about the rig alight in the northbound lanes of the Pacific Highway, south of Kempsey.
Eight fire trucks and 32 firefighters from Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Wauchope, rushed to the scene, assisted by the Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Transport for NSW.
Truck carried Lithium-Ion batteries
The uninjured truck driver managed to uncouple the b-double and drive the prime mover away from his two burning trailers.
The truck had been carrying a mixed load, including several pallets of Lithium-Ion batteries. Firefighters managed to contain the fire just over four hours later but the intense heat meant the flames weren't extinguished until after 11am.
Residents advised to remain indoors
Authorities advised local residents to remain indoors and close windows and doors during the operation. Specialist hazardous materials (HAZMAT) firefighters monitored the fire run-off and environmental risks.
Firefighters carefully identified and removed the batteries from the smouldering debris, placing them in HAZMAT containers to prevent potential re-ignition and dangerous gas release.
It's not yet known if the Lithium-ion batteries caused the fire or whether they only intensified the blaze.
