Five battery fires in 24 hours prompts urgent safety warning

Victorians are being urged to follow safe charging practices after 5 lithium-ion battery fires were recorded across the state within 24 hours, hospitalising 3 people and destroying at least one home.

Energy Safe Victoria is looking into the 5 separate lithium-ion battery incidents that kept state emergency services busy on Sunday and Monday this week, with a woman and two men requiring treatment for smoke inhalation.

The blazes, which occurred in St Kilda, Sunshine West, Ballarat, Kyneton and Port Melbourne, involved 3 e-bikes, a drone, and a rechargeable device still under assessment.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said the incident spike is concerning and highlights that lithium-ion batteries can fail quickly and without warning if used or charged unsafely.

“Five battery fires in just 24 hours is a critical warning about the immediate and severe consequences of unsafe charging practices,” Ms Hughson said.

“These are everyday devices found in many Victorian homes, which is why it’s so important people understand the risks and follow safety advice.”

Early information indicates a range of risk factors may have contributed to and intensified the incidents, including e-bike modification, using a suspected mismatched replacement charger, overcharging and charging inside a bedroom.

Lithium-ion battery fires can ignite rapidly, produce intense heat and toxic smoke, and are difficult to extinguish. Fires often occur while devices are charging, particularly when left unattended or when incompatible or non-compliant chargers are used.

Energy Safe is reminding the community to follow simple steps to reduce their risk:

• Purchase products from reputable suppliers and only use chargers supplied or recommended by the manufacturer. Don’t buy from cheap, unknown online sources.
• Monitor devices while charging and unplug when battery is fully charged.
• Charge batteries on non-flammable surfaces and keep them away from bedrooms and exits.
• Stop using the battery if you notice any strong odours, colour change, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or unusual sounds, such as popping or hissing.
• In event of fire, evacuate immediately and call Triple Zero (000).

Media contact: April Dudgeon | 0498 188 117 | media@energysafe.vic.gov.au

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