Firefighters in Australia are raising awareness about the dangers of lithium battery fires, which they are encountering almost daily. The fires are often caused by lithium batteries found in e-scooters and e-bikes, with incidents even occurring during the transportation of these batteries to shops. Darren Mallouk from the Queensland Fire Department’s Investigation Unit highlighted the prevalence of these fires, emphasizing the risks associated with smaller electronic devices.
The risks posed by lithium batteries extend beyond individual devices, as thousands of these batteries are often packed tightly together when being shipped to Australian customers and shops. Mike Gallagher, CEO of Ports Australia, described these batteries as “very dangerous sardines” due to their flammable nature. Ship fires caused by these batteries are particularly challenging to extinguish, with Gallagher noting the difficulty of dealing with such fires on vessels at sea or in ports.
The lack of formal safety regulations or protocols for dealing with electric vehicle fires on ships has raised concerns globally. Mark Morrow from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority stressed the need for prompt action to address this issue. A summit in Brisbane will bring together experts to develop a plan to address the growing ship fire epidemic caused by lithium batteries. It is crucial to establish effective response strategies to mitigate the risks associated with these fires and ensure the safety of crew members and vessels in Australian ports.
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