This weekend, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) aims to utilize its influential position at the Hawkesbury Show to raise awareness about the risks associated with Lithium-Ion batteries. With fire investigators on hand, the event promises demonstrations showcasing how compromised or damaged batteries can overheat and potentially cause 'Thermal Runaway'—a condition where batteries are prone to explosion and can ignite serious fires.
Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards
In the previous year, FRNSW responded to 213 incidents across the state suspected to be related to Lithium-Ion batteries. Of these, 29% involved unspecified batteries or chargers, while 16% were linked to e-bikes or e-scooters, another 16% to mobile phones or laptop batteries, and 14% to power tool batteries. At the event, Fire and Rescue will demonstrate their ‘Cell on Wheels’ technology, a portable hub used effectively to provide temporary WiFi and satellite communications to communities impacted by floods.
FRNSW Safety Initiatives and Technological Displays
Firefighters from Windsor and Richmond stations will be present to offer valuable home safety advice, including tips on maintaining smoke alarms and establishing home escape plans. Kid-friendly activities like firefighter hats and activity books will also be available. The event will feature captivating exhibits such as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPA), a newly introduced $2.5 million Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Aerial Platform Pumper, and the innovative Turbine-aided Firefighting TAF20 remote-controlled appliance.
Innovative Tools and Canine Demonstrations
The display will also highlight rescue tools used for road crash and water rescues, Ignitable Liquid Detection dogs, and a showcase by the Museum of Fire complete with historic displays and merchandise. The Labradors trained in detection will perform live demonstrations daily from 11 am, illustrating their skills in action.
Engaging with the Community
FRNSW, having won the 'Best Public Service Exhibit' award for two consecutive years, continues to prioritize public engagement at the Hawkesbury Show. Attendees can visit the FRNSW stand at the showgrounds located at 40 Racecourse Road, Clarendon, from April 28 to April 30. The event is open from 9 am to 11 pm on both Friday and Saturday, and from 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday, ensuring ample time for visitors to explore the multitude of exhibits.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will use its strong presence at the Hawkesbury Show this weekend to warn the public about the dangers posed by Lithium-Ion batteries.
Fire investigators will demonstrate how compromised or damaged batteries can overheat and enter what’s known as ‘Thermal Runaway” where they are at high risk of exploding and starting significant fires.
WiFi and satellite phone communications
There were 213 suspected Lithium-Ion-related battery incidents attended by FRNSW across the state last year. 29% related to unspecified batteries or chargers, 16% e-bikes or e-scooters, 16% mobile phones or laptop batteries, 14% related to power tool batteries
There were 213 suspected Lithium-Ion-related battery incidents attended by FRNSW across the state last year
Also on display will be Fire and Rescue’s ‘Cell on Wheels’ technology. The portable hub has been successfully used by FRNSW to supply temporary WiFi and satellite phone communications to communities devastated by floods over the past two years.
Firefighters from 81 Station (Windsor) and 82 Station (Richmond) will staff the FRNSW display, ready to provide essential home safety advice, including working smoke alarm and home escape plan recommendations. There will also be firefighter hats and activity books for the kids.
Additional attractions will include
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones used for rescues, damage assessments, Hazard Reduction burns, mapping and a host of other FRNSW missions
- A new $2.5m Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Aerial Platform Pumper, the newest engine in the FRNSW fleet, capable of issuing 6000 litres of water a minute, making it the most powerful pump on any of our appliances and boasting a ladder that can extend 25m
- Ignitable Liquid Detection canines will be at the Show from 11 am each day…see how they put these very smart Labradors to work
- Turbine-aided Firefighting TAF20 remote-controlled appliance will form part of the static display…explore fire-fighting techniques of the future
- Rescue capabilities will also be on display, including tools used in road crash and water rescues
- Staff from the Museum of Fire will also be there with a historic display and merchandise
FRNSW public engagement
FRNSW is proud of its public engagement at the Hawkesbury Show and has earned the prize for ‘Best Public Service Exhibit’ two years in a row. Visit the FRNSW stand this weekend.
The Hawkesbury Agricultural Show is open to the public from Friday 28 April through to Sunday 30th April at the showgrounds, 40 Racecourse Road, Clarendon. Gates are open from 9 am till 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 9am till 4pm on Sunday.
