Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: Australian Statistics and Safety Information
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NSW recorded 323 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024, compared to 272 in 2023 and 165 in 2022. Fire and Rescue NSW currently responds to 5.7 lithium-ion battery fires per week. Fire Rescue Victoria reports responding to approximately one lithium-ion battery fire daily.
Recent Incidents:
- Hospital evacuation required after lithium-ion battery from medical workstation caught fire
- 10-story apartment building evacuation in Bankstown following e-bike battery explosion
- One person hospitalised from apartment building incident
Technical Characteristics: Lithium-ion battery fires reach temperatures exceeding 1000°C and produce toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide. These fires can experience thermal runaway, causing adjacent battery cells to ignite.
High-Risk Locations:
- Hospitals with battery-powered medical equipment
- Residential buildings with e-bikes and e-scooters
- Underground parking areas
- EV charging facilities
Regulatory Update: From February 1, 2025, lithium-ion e-micromobility devices sold in NSW must comply with prescribed safety standards.
Fire Suppression Requirements: Standard fire suppression systems are not designed for lithium-ion battery fires. Specialized equipment is required for effective suppression and containment.
Available Solutions: EV Fire Solutions provides specialized fire protection equipment:
- EV Fire Blankets: $165 (e-bikes) to $2,750 (heavy-duty vehicle applications)
- Lithium-ion specific fire extinguishers
- Customizable fire curtains for charging areas
- Building-specific safety assessments
Risk Mitigation:
- Use compliant devices and chargers
- Store batteries in appropriate locations
- Install specialized fire suppression equipment
- Implement regular equipment inspections
- Provide staff training on lithium-ion fire procedures
More information: evfiresolutions.com.au
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