Alarming Rise in Fires Due to Lithium-Ion Batteries in Australia: A Call for Caution and Regulation

In the last 18 months in Australia, over 450 fires have been linked to the use of lithium-ion batteries in light electric vehicles, such as electric scooters and bicycles. Data from state fire services indicate that such incidents are becoming more frequent, especially in recent years. For example, in Western Australia, there has been an increase in such cases from 21 in 2018 to 81 in the last year. In New South Wales, the fire brigade intervened in about 180 cases related to lithium-ion batteries in the last year, while in Victoria there were 120 such events until July, and in Queensland - 72 since 2021. In Brisbane, there was recently a house fire caused by the explosion of an electric scooter battery, resulting in the hospitalization of five people, including a man in serious condition and a woman and two children with symptoms of smoke poisoning. The increase in such incidents is associated with the growing popularity of small battery-powered vehicles. Trent Curtin, the assistant commissioner of fire and rescue NSW for community safety, noted that firefighters in his state are intervening in over three fires a week related to lithium-ion batteries. He pointed out a global trend of increasing such events, also observed in New York and London, and expressed concern about the possibility of fatal fires in Australia. Curtin also emphasized the need for regulation of the sale of electric bicycles and scooters to ensure that consumers buy the highest quality products. He noted a significant increase in the sales of electric bicycles in Australia, from about 9,000 in 2017 to over 75,000 in the last year. Peter Bourke, representing Bicycle Industries Australia, observed that the light electric vehicle sector is experiencing significant growth, which is also expected in the future. He emphasized that as a result of the legalization of electric vehicles for individual users, observed in places such as Queensland and Western Australia, the number of people using these vehicles for daily commutes and transport has greatly increased. Although the benefits associated with using such vehicles, such as reducing congestion and offering cheaper, greener alternatives, are widely recognized, Bourke expressed concern about the increasing number of battery-related fires. He pointed out the problem of people buying low-quality products that should not be combined or are improperly used. He noted that there are high-quality products available in reputable stores, and emphasized that it is important for future legal regulations to support the use of these bicycles and scooters, due to their positive impact.

Damian Kubera, an expert in fire safety, chimed in, saying that the use of fireproof covers could be an effective temporary solution in reducing the number of home fires caused by batteries. However, he noted that the problem remains in building people's trust in using such safety measures.

In its statement, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) informed the 7.30 program about the particular challenges that fires involving lithium-ion batteries pose for firefighters. An AFAC spokeswoman explained that these batteries are highly energy-dense and contain flammable electrolytes. Fires can be triggered by overcharging, overheating, exposure to extreme temperatures, physical damage, short-circuiting, defects in battery cells, and their aging. When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can undergo a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, which involves the violent bursting of one or more battery cells, releasing toxic and flammable vapors and gases, and an intense fire that can be difficult to extinguish.

Australian Firefighters Pay Close Attention to the Situation in the USA

Mr. Curtin from the Fire and Rescue NSW expressed concerns that the next lithium battery fire in Australia could have fatal consequences. (ABC News: Tom Hancock) Mr. Curtin from the Australian fire service emphasized that authorities in Australia are closely monitoring the development of electric vehicle fires in other countries that are more advanced in their usage. "Unfortunately, in other countries, especially in New York, we have seen fires where people were trapped in their apartments due to fires caused by e-bikes, and firefighters had to enter the outside of the buildings to rescue them," he said. In November, New York conducted an investigation into the number of fires related to e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries following several high-profile and fatal apartment building fires. Thomas Currao from the New York City Fire Department reported a significant increase in deadly fires linked to these batteries, which correlated with the increased use of battery-powered mobile devices. "While only 13 such injuries were recorded in 2019, in 2021, there were already 79," he said. "As of today [November 14], we have already identified 140 injuries and 191 fires attributed to lithium-ion batteries. Tragically, these fires have also led to six fatalities.

"[In 2022] we have experienced as many injuries, deaths, and fires related to lithium-ion batteries as we have in the previous three years combined." New Yorker Baruch Herzfeld, an avid electric vehicle enthusiast, founded an organization called Safer Charging, which aims for better infrastructure and regulations. Mr. Herzfeld's organization is calling for a regulatory framework that ensures only certified batteries are sold, which would then be tracked, inspected, and monitored from the time of sale until they are properly recycled. He said that in the long term, he would like to see a network of swappable batteries that are charged outside of people's apartments. "The growth of electric vehicles is not just a phenomenon in the USA, but worldwide," he told the 7.30 program. "Everyone is realizing how much safer and more efficient these electric bicycles and scooters are. The use of light electric vehicles is very important for the planet and for public life in cities. And it's just going to continue to grow. It's very important that the government pays attention to this phenomenon and invests wisely in resources, regulation, and subsidies to ensure that people continue to use light electric vehicles."

In Australia, the Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is currently conducting research on the risks and regulations associated with lithium-ion batteries. ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard announced that recommendations will be presented to the government by the middle of the year. "Currently, we have more lithium-ion batteries in our homes, whether it's in our smartphones, laptops, cordless drills, cordless vacuum cleaners, or even in vaping devices," she said. "Unfortunately, we are increasingly witnessing incidents involving these batteries, where they catch fire, causing property damage, and worse, causing burns to people. Therefore, we want to understand what causes these problems and how to prevent them." She added that the ACCC is analyzing everything from industry codes to mandatory standards, up to bans on the most dangerous batteries and warning labels.

Cheap Products Carry Risk

Melbourne-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer Zakk Goodsell, whose company produces batteries for drones, stated that it's important for consumers to understand the inherent risks associated with buying cheap and poorly made products. "We are concerned about undue panic around this technology," said Mr. Goodsell. "It is not inherently more dangerous than, say, using petrol-powered devices, but the risk can be exaggerated when incidents occur," he added. "However, the more popular the products become, the greater the risk of fires. As manufacturers, we are concerned about the lack of appropriate regulations and education on how to use these products properly." He also expressed a desire for most battery cells imported from abroad to undergo government testing that would inform consumers. "We would like consumers to be able to check the type of cell, its manufacturer, and assess whether these cells are trustworthy."

Damian Kubera, an expert in fire safety, added that using fireproof covers for storing electric scooters could be a preventive measure. He also emphasized that under no circumstances should scooters be stored in hallways or near emergency exits in apartments, as a rapidly spreading fire could later prevent escape. This information was provided by WA Deputy Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services, Craig Waters, who also encouraged people to take a few simple steps after purchasing an electric vehicle. He advised that in addition to buying products from reputable brands, owners should store them outside, unplug them once charged, and take care to avoid leaving them in hot environments.