A Lalor house fire on Tuesday September 12 that destroyed a bedroom and caused extensive damage to the roof of the house was caused by rechargeable lithium-ion battery say fire authorities.
The fire was sparked by an overheated rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which was being used to power an overseas manufactured toy.
Firefighters arrived at the Judith Court home at 11am, to find a bedroom and the roof of the property fully alight.
The two occupants had escaped the house before crews arrived, after unsuccessfully attempting to extinguish the fire themselves.
It took around 20 firefighters just under 40 minutes to bring the fire under control.
Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said the incident should act as an important reminder to Victorians to take precautions when using rechargeable batteries.
“Victoria’s fire services are responding to at least one substantial lithium-ion battery fire each week, and this trend is only expected to increase,” he said.
“Lithium-ion batteries are found in all kinds of rechargeable products, from e-bikes to laptops and model toys.”
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan highlighted the importance of keeping an eye out for potential risks before it is too late.
“Stop using or charging the product if you notice strong odours, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or hissing and popping sounds, as these are indicators the product may catch alight,“ he said.
Energy Safe chief executive Leanne Hughson said people should avoid ‘aftermarket’, recycled or modified batteries or those not made by the original manufacturer.
“Don’t take shortcuts to save some money. Only purchase rechargeable batteries that meet Australian Standards,” she said.
Gerald Lynch
