Firefighters Issue Alert on Lithium Batteries in Christmas Gifts

An image showing fire after a lithium battery was said to explode at a Sydney hostel. Courtesy of Fire and Rescue NSW

Firefighters have issued a warning about the danger of lithium-ion batteries in Christmas gifts.

Fire Rescue Victoria issued an alert about lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes, e-scooters, and toys.

The caution on lithium batteries comes amid a spate of battery fires in recent months. In one example, five children were lucky to escape when a lithium-ion battery exploded in a Melbourne garage.

Victorian firefighters have been called out to battery fires “almost every day” in the last three months and firefighters expect this trend to increase.

Fire Rescue Victoria Acting Deputy Commissioner Gavin Rooney said multiple items under the Christmas tree could contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in everything from e-bikes and e-scooters to toys, power tools, and phones,” Mr. Rooney said.

“While these products make our lives easier and have many positive environmental and social impacts, they occasionally can and do catch alight, especially if overcharged or not treated properly.”

Recent Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents

A lithium-ion battery destroyed a garage in Victoria recently, with children at the home calling triple zero to raise the alarm.

On Sep. 22 firefighters were called to a property in Dallas, Melbourne to find a tin garage engulfed in flames.

A lithium-ion battery from a power tool stored in the garage exploded, starting the blaze.

Five children under 13 were at home and lucky to escape.

Mr. Rooney noted in the last month Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters have been called out to three major house fires in Melbourne related to e-bikes and e-bike chargers.

“In each case, the properties were significantly damaged or destroyed by the fires, and it is lucky that nobody was injured,” he said.

“In the past three months, Victorian firefighters have been responding to lithium-ion battery fires almost every day, and this trend is only expected to increase as more rechargeable batteries make their way into our homes.”

In New South Wales, a lithium battery exploded into flames at a Sydney backpacker hostel in October, prompting Fire and Rescue NSW to release safety advice.

A zoomed-in shot of a fire at the Victoria Big Battery in Moorabool near Melbourne in Victoria, Australia on July 30, 2021. Fire Rescue Victoria

Fire Safety Advice

Fire Rescue Victoria suggested only buying products from reputable suppliers, only using chargers and cords supplied with the device, and avoiding tampering with batteries.

Further, they advise not to leave batteries charging in direct sunlight, and only charging batteries on non-combustible surfaces in a room with a smoke alarm.

Country Fire Authority Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Carrigg warned against modifying or tampering with batteries, due to the risk of overheating.

He said lithium batteries were energy-dense and contained chemicals that, if overheated, could release “toxic and highly flammable gases.”

“Stop using or charging the product if you notice strong odours, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking, or unusual sounds. Leave the area and call Triple Zero (000) immediately,” he said.