Firefighters Battle Growing Lithium Battery Crisis

Our feeds and inboxes have been full of major incidents caused by faulty lithium-ion batteries already this year, and it appears the rapidly advancing rate of battery fires is set to continue. 

We have up to date stats from Fire and Rescue NSW regarding Li-ion battery fires in the state, as well as their official take on the risks they present in 2025.  

Some of these recent incidents really highlight the potential devastation these devices can cause, and we think that’s worth considering.  

This article relates to the Chemical Safety at Work podcast episode. Watch the full video now or stream on your preferred podcast platform.

Fire and Rescue NSW

We’ve been in touch with a spokeswoman from Fire and Rescue NSW. The reason we wanted to speak to them is because we consider them Australia’s leading authority on battery fire risks, battery management, fire prevention and emergency response practices.  

Fire and Rescue NSW offers the best safety information with absolutely awesome resources on their website and really leading the way forward in this area, so thank you to them. Check out www.fire.nsw.gov.au to learn more.

Latest Fire NSW Statistics on Battery Fires

Lithium-ion batteries are still the fastest growing fire risk in NSW.  

Fire and Rescue attended 317 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024. This equates to almost one per day. However, that figure is expected to increase as they finalise and confirm incident data from the end of last year. 

There has been a significant increase in lithium-ion battery-related fire incidents, with 272 incidents in 2023, marking a 66 percent increase from the 165 incidents in 2022. 

As of February 10, there had been 25 battery fires already in 2025 with 13 of those in just one week.  

Fire and Rescue statistics indicate that people are four times more likely to be injured by a fire which originates from a lithium-ion battery in comparison to other fire types. 

In 2024, NSW recorded its first two fatalities due to a lithium-ion battery fire. Fire and Rescue say it is essential to understand and manage risks to protect life and property. 

In response to these worrying statistics, there are now changes in New South Wales to combat battery fires through new regulations.

Changing Battery Regulations in NSW

It has recently been reported that New South Wales is cracking down on the sale of some ebikes and e-scooters in a nationwide first aimed at reducing battery-related fires. This move pushes towards nationally coordinated approach to the growing battery fire problem.

Authorities believe that low quality e-bikes and e-scooters have contributed to the rate of battery fires. Demand for the electronic mobility products is booming. The number of devices sold in NSW more than tripled between 2020 and 2022, the government said.

Under the new rules announced on Thursday, e-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards and e-skateboards will become “declared electric devices”.

Battery-powered devices will now need to meet a set of internationally accepted product standards, including appropriate tests and certification. Non-compliance may result in fines of up to $825,000.

Recent Battery Fire Incidents Across Australia & the Globe

High-powered battery technology is just being adopted at such a fast rate right now, fire rates are bound to keep increasing, but let’s see what we can do to combat that with information and awareness in 2025. 

July 2024

• E-bike battery explosion in multi-story unit block – Sydney (seven people treated for smoke inhalation) 
• Two caravans destroyed by fire at Bundaberg dealership after lithium-ion battery catches fire near mattress 

August 2024

• EV battery fire engulfs Tesla truck after highway crash 
• Tesla Semi fire needed 50000 gallons of water to extinguish 
• New battery crackdown after a huge rise in fires in Australia 

November 2024

• Three people hospitalised after suspected e-scooter fire engulfs garage in Sydney's south 

December 2024

Hillsboro fire investigator determines weekend house fire caused by battery failure while charging 

In 2025:  

• Smoke billowed from Wollongong garage after e-scooter fire 
• Chinese power tool manufacturer faces class action over fire-prone lithium batteries 
• Half of businesses experience Lithium-ion battery incidents (Eastern Daily Press - survey of 501 UK businesses conducted by the Norwich-based insurance company) 

and 

• Another Cybertruck up in flames: Tesla catches fire amid quiet battery recall 

New South Wales Battery Fire Incident

Family of seven makes miraculous escape from two-storey house after horror fire spreads uncontrollably in Sydney's south 

While the cause of this fire is still officially under investigation, firefighters noted several Lithium-Ion batteries were on charge in the garage at the time of the fire and will form part of the investigation. 

In mid-January, FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell reminded the public of the danger of Lithium-Ion battery-powered devices. 

He said, “Time after time, we see situations where occupants find themselves trapped by fire, caused by faulty Lithium-Ion battery fires," he said. 

“Residents can’t escape, leaving them exposed to toxic and explosive gas expelled by the batteries and the intense fires that generally follow. 

“These types of blazes are often more intense than regular fires due to the energy stored in the batteries and they burn faster. 

Workshop Fire Sparked by E-Bike

Community support helps business bounce back from tragedy: On January 21, family business, Power-Packed Batteries, in Nairne, South Australia had it’s workshop destroyed in an e-bike battery fire. 

Gold Coast E-Scooter Fire

Gold Coast unit explodes in flames as hot e-scooter battery put in freezer 

Man’s dramatic escape from Gold Coast fire after e-scooter explodes at Southport home 

Firefighters said the man had tried to cool an overheating battery by putting it in the freezer.  

Southport Fire Station officer Brenton Maizie said rechargeable batteries in thermal runaway should never be put in a fridge or freezer.  

Melbourne Warehouse Fire

Melbourne warehouse fire fuelled by lithium-ion batteries sends smoke over Cheltenham  

Lithium-ion battery fire prevents police from saving driver stuck in burning Tesla 

E-Scooter Explosion, Sydney

Man injured by shrapnel in e-scooter explosion at Sadleir in Sydney 

Lithium battery completely destroys plane just before take-off - 176 people emergency evacuated. 

I’m just going to read a couple of lines from this one to give some context:  

“Cause of the Fire: Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting it may have been triggered by a portable battery stored in an overhead bin.  

Photos on the internet show the top of the plane's fuselage completely burned off.”  

From these stories you really get a sense of the specific fire hazards posed by batteries, the severity of a battery fire and the potential consequences.  

Battery fires are explosive, fast burning, extremely hot, they release toxic fumes are near impossible to extinguish. 

Some Charging and Storage Tips:  

So, to raise hazard awareness and improve battery safety, here are some tips. These will help you learn how to safety store and handle li-ion batteries: 

• Don’t overcharge batteries. Monitor charging and unplug at 80-100% charge.  

• Store and charge in cool, dry locations.  

• Select a safe surface.  

• Select the correct, certified, high-quality charger.  

• Handle batteries with care to avoid damage.  

• Inspect batteries for damage.  

• Consider the location and surroundings of your battery if it was to catch fire.  

• Discard dead batteries with the terminals taped at registered recycling drop points.  

• Use dedicated battery storage and charging devices.  

Choosing dedicated battery storage,, while training staff for safe handling, charging and storage is essential for the safety of workplaces and communities

Battery Fire Awareness to Reduce Risk

Stay safe out there and spread the word about battery safety measures. If you see a situation that doesn’t look safe, point it out and help educate and inform, your friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.  

For more information on lithium-ion battery safety, head to the resources page on the Storemasta website, or www.fire.nsw.gov.au.