Lithium-ion battery fires - a growing risk for businesses

Lithium-ion battery fires are rising sharply across Australia-here's what you need to know to protect your business.

The recent house fire in the Northern Beaches, NSW caused by an e-bike battery highlights a growing and serious risk from lithium-ion battery fires. When damaged or improperly charged, they can ignite and cause devastating loss.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• NSW: 165 fires in 2022 up to 323 in 2024
• VIC: Approximately 1 fire per day linked to lithium-ion batteries
• WA: 166 fires in 2024, with incidents tripling since 2020

The trend is clear: incidents are rising sharply as the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other battery-powered devices grows-especially those with cheap or faulty batteries.

Why Do These Fires Happen?

• Damaged battery cells (dropped, cracked, bulging cases)
• Overheating from incorrect or prolonged charging
• Charging in unventilated areas
• Poor-quality imports or counterfeit batteries
• Improper disposal (e.g., e-cigarettes in general waste)

These fires are extremely difficult to extinguish and release toxic, flammable vapors.

What Should Members Do?

To reduce risk, review your charging, storage, and disposal practices immediately:

• Do not allow anyone to charge or store e-bikes/e-scooters on premises.
• Identify where lithium-ion batteries are used in your venue.
• Inspect batteries for damage, heat, or swelling.
• Ensure charging areas are well-ventilated and free from chemicals or combustibles.
• Display signage for safe disposal of e-cigarettes and provide disposal points.
• Keep emergency contact details visible and train staff on fire response procedures.

Who To Contact When Experiencing a Loss?

In the unfortunate event you experience a loss, safety is the number one priority.

1. Contact the emergency services if required.
   
   
2. Should you require an emergency make safe please engage your trusted contractor or contact the ASTA emergency hotline ensuring you keep records of all emergency expenses.
   
   ASTA Emergency 24/7 Hotline: 1800 002 782
   
   
3. When safe to do so, notify our claims team and your broker so we can lodge a claim and assist with the process of getting you back to pre-loss state.
   
   Xenia SCS Claims Management Team:
   P 02 8233 3161
   P 1300 131 001 (out of hours)
   E xeniaclaims@steadfastclaims.com.au

Summary

• Safety first - prioritise your safety and the safety of your staff and patrons
• Make safe - contact the ASTA emergency hotline or your preferred trade
• Document everything - take photos/videos of all affected areas and items
• Contact us when safe - we're here to help and our dedicated team will support you

If you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact us.