Lithium-ion batteries have explosive fire potential

Western Australians are being warned not to overcharge household items containing lithium-ion batteries due to their potential to overheat and cause devastating home fires.

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, found in a wide range of everyday products such as mobile phones and vacuum cleaners, can be extremely destructive and pose a serious risk to lives and homes.

Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm AFSM said people needed to exercise caution when purchasing batteries or devices online or second-hand and be wary of poorly made products. 

“Fire investigators are seeing a rise in the number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries where the home has either been significantly damaged or completely destroyed,” Commissioner Klemm said.

“Once the battery explodes, it can end up metres from where it was charging and a small fire can engulf an entire home in just minutes. 

“A Beeliar home was completely destroyed in April when a dive torch that was charging exploded – the battery light had failed to indicate the device was fully charged and the battery itself was found two metres from its original position.”

The batteries can overheat when left on charge or if they are poorly made or damaged, causing fires that spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish.

Commissioner Klemm said there were a few simple steps to ensure devices with a lithium-ion battery were charging as safely as possible.

“Make sure charging batteries are in a safe place away from flammable items, place them on a hard surface, don’t leave them unattended and always purchase reputable products,” he said.

“It could be the difference between minor damage and total devastation.”

As WA enters its busiest month for home fires, Commissioner Klemm said it was important the community continued to be aware that traditional fire causes such as unattended heaters and candles still posed significant risks.

Last year there were 803 home fires in WA, 80 of which occurred in August.

Media Contact: DFES Media and Corporate Communications 9395 9543