Quick-thinking by resident and off-duty firefighter prevents Lithium fire disaster - Broken Hill
Published: 25 Jul 2023 02:16pm
Quick-thinking by a resident and an off-duty firefighter has prevented a Lithium battery explosion burning down a home at Broken Hill, in the state's far west.
The resident started charging a newly-purchased solar power generator at his Morgan Street home around 5pm on Sunday when the battery pack began sparking and making 'popping' noises.
The man realised the cells were over-heating and in danger of exploding in flames and he quickly carried the device to his front porch.
Hearing the loud telltale 'bangs' of a Lithium battery reacting and violently releasing gas, the resident's neighbour, an off-duty Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Station Officer, rushed next door with a fire blanket and smothered the device as it caught fire and exploded.
The home-owner called Triple Zero (000) and a FRNSW crew was quickly on scene to extinguish the flames and extract smoke from the home.
It immersed the burning power pack in a barrel of water to prevent re-ignition.
Firefighters have praised the resident's actions which prevented a fiery explosion inside the house.
FRNSW is continuing to warn the public about Lithium battery dangers.
“Lithium battery fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and firefighters often have to use copious amounts of water to ensure they are doused and adequately cooled to prevent re-ignition," Acting Deputy Commissioner - Field Operations, Trent Curtin, said. “There are a number of things you can do to prevent these fires:
- Don’t over-charge batteries or leave them charging overnight unattended or whilst you're asleep
- Only purchase reputable Lithium battery-powered products
- Don’t charge batteries and devices on beds, sofas or around highly flammable and insulating materials
- Always use compliant and approved charging equipment for the device/s, don't mix and match unrelated components
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing the battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials. Larger devices such as e-bikes and gardening tools should be stored outside of bedrooms and living spaces
- Don’t charge or use batteries and devices that show signs of damage
- Advice on recycling and disposal of used batteries is available on the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389 [external link]
Media note- Footage of the device pre-explosion is available here: https://vimeo.com/848235048/a0651a8229?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 25 Jul 2023 02:20pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
248 Blende Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880
151 Patton Street, Broken Hill NSW 2880
82 Adams Street, Wentworth NSW 2648