Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is issuing an urgent warning about the dangers of Lithium-ion batteries after separate fires in Sydney's inner west and the state's Northern Rivers.
Around 8:50 am, FRNSW crews were called to Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters, where a home-made e-bike and battery pack had ignited in the rear yard of a home.
Incompatible charging device
Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze. They also placed the battery in water to prevent it from heating uncontrollably and causing a larger fire or an explosion of cells - a process known as thermal runaway.
Investigations have revealed that the battery was cheaply produced and charged using an incompatible charging device prior to the fire.
Multiple FRNSW crews
Lismore home has been destroyed by fire caused by two pallets of imported Lithium-ion batteries
In a separate incident, a Lismore home has been destroyed by fire caused by two pallets of imported Lithium-ion batteries that went up in flames.
Multiple FRNSW crews attacked and extinguished the blaze, which broke out below the two-storey property on Magellan Street just after 11:30 am.
It's understood that a battery in the shipment was damaged, causing it to ignite. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of either incident.
Brands of Lithium-ion batteries
FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, said both incidents are a reminder about the need to exercise caution around Lithium-ion batteries.
"You should only choose reputable brands of Lithium-ion batteries, and never try to make your own or reconfigure existing batteries," said Supt Adam Dewberry.
Catastrophic fire or explosion
Supt Adam Dewberry adds: "The consequences when things go wrong with Lithium-ion batteries can be disastrous and potentially life-threatening."
He continues, "You must ensure you are always correctly sourcing and storing Lithium-ion batteries, and they are not damaged in any way, otherwise this can trigger a catastrophic fire or explosion."
