Update - stills added - Man injured by lithium-ion battery blast - Lurnea
Published: 15 Apr 2025 01:03pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a garage fire caused by a lithium-ion battery explosion this morning at Lurnea in Sydney’s south-west.
FRNSW was alerted to a loud explosion and fire at the property in Jedda Street, just after 8.30.
Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters quickly contained the blaze whilst paramedics assessed a 40-year-old man for lower limb burns at the scene.
He was transported to hospital for further treatment.
A faulty lithium-ion battery used to power a remote control car has been identified as the cause of the fire.
The battery had overheated and entered a process called ‘thermal runaway,’ leading to a chain reaction in the power pack and ultimate explosion, setting the garage on fire.
Firefighters have immersed the battery pack in a container of water for 24-hours to prevent re-ignition.
FRNSW urges residents to use caution around lithium-ion batteries, particularly when charging them.
Always use compatible power cords and chargers; and never charge batteries when you are asleep or away from the home.
Other advice includes:
- Don’t leave batteries constantly on charge
- If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home
For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]
Fire and Rescue NSW also urges residents to ensure a working smoke alarm is fitted to all homes.
FRNSW also suggests the installation of heat alarms, where appropriate, in garages, where lithium-ion batteries are often charged.
If you are planning to holiday this easter break, please unplug lithium-ion battery-powered devices in your home before your departure and make sure caravans and camper vans are fitted with working smoke alarms.
Updated: 15 Apr 2025 03:23pm
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.
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]
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