Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a garage fire caused by a lithium-ion battery explosion this morning at Lurnea in Sydney’s south-west.
FRNSW was alerted to a loud explosion and fire at the property in Jedda Street, just after 8.30.
Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters quickly contained the blaze whilst paramedics assessed a 40-year-old man for lower limb burns at the scene.
He was transported to hospital for further treatment.
A faulty lithium-ion battery used to power a remote control car has been identified as the cause of the fire.
The battery had overheated and entered a process called ‘thermal runaway,’ leading to a chain reaction in the power pack and ultimate explosion, setting the garage on fire.
Firefighters have immersed the battery pack in a container of water for 24-hours to prevent re-ignition.
FRNSW urges residents to use caution around lithium-ion batteries, particularly when charging them.
Always use compatible power cords and chargers; and never charge batteries when you are asleep or away from the home.
Other advice includes:
- Don’t leave batteries constantly on charge
- If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home