Fire and Rescue issues lithium battery warning
Fire and Rescue NSW has issued a warning about the use of lithium-ion batteries after a house fire at Umina last week.
Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters were called to the home on Gwendolen Ave shortly after 4:30am on Monday, February 17.
The fire left a man seriously injured with burns and two others suffering from smoke inhalation.
FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said this was an example of how dangerous lithium-ion batteries can be if not used correctly.
"Lithium-ion batteries are a great convenience but if not treated with respect, particularly with e-bikes and e-scooters, they can be extremely dangerous," he said.
"They can ignite with explosive force, issuing toxic gas, and causing intense fires that spread rapidly.
"If a fire involving a lithium-ion battery occurs, it literally becomes an explosive device."
Supt Dewberry advised residents never to sleep or leave home with lithium-battery-powered devices charging
"Don't leave them constantly on charge," he said.
On arrival at the fire, crews found smoke issuing from the townhouse and quickly got to work to extinguish the blaze.
The fire was contained within 30 minutes and firefighters conducted a search and rescue operation to ensure no other occupants were in the property.
Fire crews provided emergency medical treatment to three people until NSW Ambulance arrived.
The man suffering burns was airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital while the two other people were transported by road.
Investigators believe that lithium-ion batteries exploded, which ignited the blaze.
The batteries were submerged in water to prevent reignition.
The blaze was the second for the Umina 340 station crew for the night.
At about 11.20pm the previous night, crews were called to Bowden Rd at Woy Woy to a fire in a residential complex.
One unit was well alight with multiple explosions reported.
Crews quickly gained control, however the unit was completely destroyed.
All residents had evacuated with no reported injuries.
SOURCE:
Website, 17 Feb 2025
FRNSW