Firefighters warn on hazards of lithium-ion batteries

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous, powering everything from laptops, power tools and e-scooters. But firefighters warn they are among the most serious fire risks in Victorian homes.

Lithium-ion batteries are causing an average of one “significant” fire each week in Victoria.

Fire Rescue Victoria has warned the rate of blazes linked to lithium-ion batteries this year will continue to increase as the technology becomes more common.

FRV has warned the units are a serious safety threat if they are not used, stored or handled properly.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are now everywhere, powering laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric vehicles and many other items.

The organisation says containing fires involving the batteries can be highly challenging.

“When lithium-ion batteries are damaged they can enter into a process called thermal runaway, an uncontrollable, self-heating state,” an FRV statement said.  

“Thermal runaway can involve hissing or popping noises, and the release of toxic and flammable gas, extreme temperatures, smoke or fire.”

Lithium-ion batteries and a charger bank that caught fire recently. Picture: Fire & Rescue

“Victoria’s fire services are responding to an average of one significant lithium-ion battery fire each week, many of which have caused serious damage to homes and property,” an FRV statement said.

“This trend is expected to increase as more products powered by lithium-ion batteries make their way into our homes.”

FRV said the batteries should only be bought from “reputable suppliers” and users should always follow manufacturer instructions.

It warned that only chargers and cords supplied with the device should be used.

“When people use different chargers it can deliver the incorrect amount of power, causing the product to overheat and catch alight” FRV said.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warned last month about the potential fire risk of lithium-ion batteries.

A charred e-bike which started a fire at a Melbourne property. Source: FRV

Lithium-ion batteries reportedly caused an inferno which destroyed a golf clubhouse at Yering in the Yarra Valley last month.

The Herald Sun understands links are being investigated between a lithium-ion battery and a blaze which tore through a Brunswick gym on October 27.

A father and son sleeping at Gym Retro had to scramble for their lives as the fire took hold of the Albert St building.

In June, a man wound up in hospital after a blaze at a home in Halliday St, Mount Waverley.

A lithium battery charger used for charging an electric bike was later identified as the cause.

Last month, backpackers at a hostel in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst were caught up in a fireball after a lithium-ion battery exploded.

Five vehicles were destroyed at Sydney Airport in September after a lithium-ion car battery ignited.