Lithium-Ion Fire Safety for Strata & Apartment Buildings

Lithium-Ion Fire Safety for Strata & Apartment Buildings

For owners corporations and building managers, lithium-ion batteries have quietly become one of the most pressing fire-safety issues in multi-unit living. E-bikes and e-scooters charging in shared corridors, basements and common areas have been linked to fires serious enough to require evacuation — and standard building fire-suppression systems may not effectively control a lithium-ion battery fire (Liberty Test & Tag, 2025). With FRNSW recording 332 lithium-ion battery incidents in 2025 and battery reform now a state priority, this is a risk owners corporations are increasingly expected to manage proactively (NSW Government, 2026).

Why apartments are higher-risk

Density is the core issue: a single device failing in a basement bike store or a unit can threaten dozens of households and block shared escape routes. Fire and Rescue NSW's 2025 literature review on managing lithium-ion battery safety risks reinforces that prevention, safe charging and containment all need to be designed into a building, not bolted on afterwards (Fire and Rescue NSW, 2025).

Practical steps for owners corporations

  • Review by-laws: Clearly define where e-bikes and e-scooters may be charged — ideally in a well-ventilated area away from escape routes (Liberty Test & Tag, 2025).
  • Designate a charging zone: Consider a dedicated, monitored charging area rather than allowing charging in units or corridors.
  • Educate residents: Share guidance on matched chargers, not charging unattended, and reporting swollen or damaged batteries.
  • Equip common areas: Place containment equipment where the risk concentrates — bike stores, basements and charging zones.

Containment for shared spaces

Because a battery fire can't be reliably smothered, the strata strategy is the same as everywhere else: contain, isolate and evacuate. EV fire curtains provide barrier protection to isolate and control a fire's spread in basements, bike stores and plant rooms, and are available in automated or manual configurations to suit the space. EV fire blankets give staff a fast way to contain a single device and limit spread to surrounding property. Both use materials classified under EN 13501. For a tailored approach, our strata & body corporate fire safety page outlines options by building type.

For building managers: Containment equipment supports staff response and evacuation — it does not replace it. Any battery fire means activating the building's evacuation plan and calling 000 immediately.

References

  1. Fire and Rescue NSW. (2025). Management of lithium-ion battery safety risks: A literature review of current knowledge and best practices (Publication No. SRP-001). https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/gallery/resources/SARET/
  2. Liberty Test & Tag. (2025). Lithium-ion battery fire safety guide NSW: Compliance for 2025. https://www.libertytestandtag.com.au/blog-lithium-ion-battery-fire-safety-nsw
  3. NSW Government. (2026, April 7). NSW leads the country in battery reform to fight fires and pollution. https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/nsw-leads-country-battery-reform-to-fight-fires-and-pollution
Back to blog