Lithium-ion batteries

Many portable devices today are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They are widely used, powering many households’ rechargeable devices including toys, mobile phones, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and electric vehicles.

Lithium-ion batteries can store a large amount of energy in a smaller amount of space than traditional batteries. They are also comparatively lightweight and more compact than other battery types. Most lithium-ion batteries will have some form of marking on the device containing any of the following words: ‘lithium-ion’, ‘li-ion’, ‘LiPo’, ‘lithium-polymer’ or ‘li+’.

Household rechargeable devices the are often powered by lithium-ion batteries include toys, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, mobility devices such as mobility scooters, mobile phones, smart watches and fitness trackers, laptops and tablets, vapes and e-cigarettes, electric and hybrid vehicles and home energy storage systems (home solar batteries).

On this page:

Battery fires
Assessing Lithium-ion batteries
Buying Lithium-ion batteries
Charging Lithium-ion batteries
Disposing Lithium-ion batteries
Advice for specific devices
What to do in an emergency

Battery fires

Common causes of battery fires

Lithium-ion batteries may release toxic, flammable gases which may lead to fire. There are several avoidable situations which may lead to lithium-ion batteries catching fire, including:

overcharging
use of non-compliant or incompatible charging equipment
use of non-compliant or incompatible spare batteries
overheating and short-circuiting from exposure to heat or extreme temperatures
physical damage (e.g. dropping, crushing, piercing and/or vibrations)
short-circuiting, battery cell malfunctions or system faults
modifying or tampering with battery system
installing used batteries into a new or different device, including the use of poor quality, non-genuine or non-compatible batteries and charging equipment
DIY battery building
improper storage.

Damaged or compromised lithium-ion batteries may be unpredictable and should be treated with caution when handled or moved.

Always use and charge according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Assess regularly

Store in cool, dry places, out of direct sunlight. Make it routine to check your batteries and devices for any signs of swelling, leaks, dents, discoloration, or unusual heat. If you spot anything unusual, stop using the battery immediately and prepare for safe disposal.

Thermal runaway

When lithium-ion batteries fail, they may enter a process called ‘thermal runaway’. Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries begins when the battery gets too hot and can’t cool down fast enough. This heat causes more heat to be produced and the battery can’t stop it. This can lead to fire or explosion.

A thermal runaway event may result in the violent bursting of battery cells, and the release of toxic, flammable and explosive gases. Violent fire behaviour with sparks and jet-like flames may also occur. The resulting chemical reaction releases energy that is self-sustaining and can be difficult to extinguish.

Thermal runaway can occur at any time, and without any warning. Thermal runaway warning signs include:

Heat: A rapid rise in the temperature of the battery.
Appearance: Discolouration, blistering, bulging or swelling of the casing.
Noise: Popping, hissing, whistling and crackling sounds.
Odour: Pungent odours or leaking electrolyte can be released.
Vapour or smoke: Production of vapour, smoke and/or fumes.
Flames: intense jet like flame.

What signs other than fire should I be looking out for:

pungent odours
overheating
significant change in colour or blistering of the casing
swelling or leaking or changing shape
unusual noises such as crackling or hissing.

Buy right

Only purchase new lithium-ion batteries or devices from reputable suppliers. Second-hand, second-life or 'refurbished' batteries and devices have an unknown history and can carry a higher risk of failure.

For further information, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has released consumer advice.

DIY builds, conversions, repairs, and upgrades

A significant proportion of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are from equipment that has been built or engineered by an inexperienced or unqualified person.
Working on lithium-ion batteries can be highly dangerous. Serious injuries and fatalities have occurred when batteries have been mishandled.
Cheap, unprotected, and second-hand batteries used in DIY projects have led to severe fires causing significant loss.
Battery repairs, servicing and installations should always be carried out by qualified professionals.

Charge smart

Follow safe charging practices including never charging batteries unattended — especially overnight. Avoid charging near anything that could easily catch fire and always use a hard, non-flammable surface like tiles or concrete. Charge larger devices outside and away from combustible materials.

How to charge your devices	How not to charge your devices
Plug in one device per outlet. Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters outside and away from combustible materials whenever possible. A working smoke alarm or a heat alarm should be installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly stored. Fire services recommend smoke alarms that are connected to 240-volt mains power with a battery backup, or alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery. When more than one smoke alarm is installed, they should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound. Ensure a working interconnected smoke alarm or heat alarm is installed in any space where devices are charged and stored. Use chargers that are supplied with the device or that are recommended by the manufacturer. If a charger is not included, only use chargers from reputable brands and suppliers that are made for the device. Follow the manufacturers charging and operation instructions. Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can't catch on fire, like stone, concrete or tiles. Charge devices when you are home to monitor. Disconnect the battery from the charger once the recommended charging cycle is complete. Ensure the battery and charger have no signs of damage, defects, or electrical faults.	Use charging devices with worn or damaged cables. Charge devices on or under soft furnishings like couches, beds, or pillows. Charge large battery devices, like e-scooters, e-bikes, or power tools when you are sleeping. Charge, store, or leave lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up. Use chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) as this can cause damage to the battery.

How to charge your devices

How not to charge your devices

Plug in one device per outlet.
Charge larger devices, such as e-bikes and e-scooters outside and away from combustible materials whenever possible.
A working smoke alarm or a heat alarm should be installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly stored.
Fire services recommend smoke alarms that are connected to 240-volt mains power with a battery backup, or alarms powered by a 10-year long-life battery. When more than one smoke alarm is installed, they should be interconnected so that when any alarm activates, all smoke alarms will sound.
Ensure a working interconnected smoke alarm or heat alarm is installed in any space where devices are charged and stored.
Use chargers that are supplied with the device or that are recommended by the manufacturer. If a charger is not included, only use chargers from reputable brands and suppliers that are made for the device.
Follow the manufacturers charging and operation instructions.
Charge batteries on hard surfaces that can't catch on fire, like stone, concrete or tiles.
Charge devices when you are home to monitor.
Disconnect the battery from the charger once the recommended charging cycle is complete.
Ensure the battery and charger have no signs of damage, defects, or electrical faults.

Use charging devices with worn or damaged cables.
Charge devices on or under soft furnishings like couches, beds, or pillows.
Charge large battery devices, like e-scooters, e-bikes, or power tools when you are sleeping.
Charge, store, or leave lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up.
Use chargers with incorrect power delivery (voltage and current) as this can cause damage to the battery.

Dispose safely

Batteries that are incorrectly disposed of in regular household waste or home recycling bins can cause fires during waste collection, transportation, handling, and processing. Always dispose of batteries at an approved recycling facility. Contact your local council for approved locations.

Lithium-ion batteries with any sign of damage, or that have been exposed to water or liquid should be treated as damaged and highly dangerous.

Warning signs include:

strong odours
discolouration, blistering, bulging, or swelling of the casing
leaking fluid
corrosion or crusting around terminals
heating up and feeling extremely hot to touch
abnormal popping, hissing or crackling sounds
smoke and fumes.

Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns.

Safe battery disposal

Undamaged lithium-ion batteries	damaged lithium-ion batteries
Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries or devices in industrial waste, general household waste or recycling bins. When a battery is no longer able to keep a charge, it is considered end-of-life. Do not store end-of-life batteries together in a pile. If the battery is end-of-life, do not sell or donate the battery or device. Contact your local council for instructions about how to discard or recycle lithium-ion batteries in your local area. Tape over battery terminals with electrical tape before giving them to a disposal or recycling facility. Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off gassing) batteries in a plastic container.	Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour, gas, or is on fire. Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns. Always use gloves/hand protection before touching or moving leaking batteries. Fire or smoke-damaged batteries should be kept outside in a well-ventilated area and stored away from any other dangerous goods or materials that are combustible or flammable. Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off-gassing) batteries in a plastic container. Check safe disposal options at Recycle Mate or B-Cycle to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries or products.

Undamaged lithium-ion batteries

damaged lithium-ion batteries

Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries or devices in industrial waste, general household waste or recycling bins.
When a battery is no longer able to keep a charge, it is considered end-of-life. Do not store end-of-life batteries together in a pile.
If the battery is end-of-life, do not sell or donate the battery or device.
Contact your local council for instructions about how to discard or recycle lithium-ion batteries in your local area.
Tape over battery terminals with electrical tape before giving them to a disposal or recycling facility.
Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off gassing) batteries in a plastic container.

Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour, gas, or is on fire.
Never touch a swollen or ruptured device or battery with bare hands as the heat and/or chemicals can cause severe burns.
Always use gloves/hand protection before touching or moving leaking batteries.
Fire or smoke-damaged batteries should be kept outside in a well-ventilated area and stored away from any other dangerous goods or materials that are combustible or flammable.
Place leaking or damaged (but not overheated or off-gassing) batteries in a plastic container.
Check safe disposal options at Recycle Mate or B-Cycle to safely dispose of lithium-ion batteries or products.

Water and batteries

After a storm, remember that electricity, gas and water supplies may be disrupted. If you think your property has been damaged, have all utilities checked and tested by a licensed technician before you use them, including your battery energy storage system (BESS) and photovoltaic (PV) arrays (battery and solar panels). Never drive or ride through flood water.

lithium-ion EV

Advice for specific devices

Device	What to do
Phones or tablets	What to do if my handhold device starts overheating: Unplug it from the power outlet if safe to do so. If safe to do so, move it to an outside area away from any combustible material and away from windows or doorways. Be aware the device may be hot and could cause burns. Leave the building and call Triple Zero (000) even if you no longer see visible smoke or flames. There is a good chance that the battery might reignite if it has not been cooled enough.
Electric Vehicles (EV)	Car accidents Make sure that your EV is identifiable by emergency services. There should be a blue “EV” sticker/badge on the number plate to indicate that it is an electric or hybrid vehicle. These stickers are there specifically to warn emergency responders of the presence of a high voltage battery. Damaged EV batteries may ignite hours, days, or even weeks after the initial incident. Damaged EVs should be kept in an open area away from other vehicles, buildings, and/or other materials that are combustible or flammable. Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice. Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician. Flooding If your vehicle has been submerged in water, treat your EV with caution as the high voltage battery pack may be compromised. Do not attempt to drive or charge the vehicle. Contact the sales point, service point or vehicle manufacturer for advice. Do not charge or use the vehicle unless it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician. If your vehicle has been submerged in water and you notice bubbles emerging, move away from the vehicle as these may contain toxic gases.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)	Always assume that a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is energised. A residential BESS that has been damaged by impact, fire, or water must not be put back into operation, even if it appears to be operational, until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified technician.
E-bikes, e-scooters and power tools	Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools that utilise lithium-ion batteries outside and away from combustible materials whenever possible.

What to do in an emergency

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000).
Do not touch anything that is on fire.
If any device or battery starts to give off smoke or emit flames: Call Triple Zero (000).
Evacuate the area and close doors behind you, this may slow the spread of smoke and fire.
Do not re-enter the building for any reason, until the area is made safe by firefighters.
Avoid inhaling the vented battery gases, vapour, and smoke as it is highly toxic.
If anyone has been exposed to spilt electrolyte, flying debris, smoke, vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance.
Burns should be treated immediately with cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Burns larger than a 20-cent coin require emergency care. Call Triple Zero (000) and follow the advice of the operator.

Electric vehicles and charging stations position statement

The presence of electric vehicles and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations within buildings present a number of risks and safety concerns with regards to firefighter intervention.