Lithium-ion batteries, thrown out in the rubbish, thought to be the cause of a Central Coast garbage truck fire - Hamlyn Terrace
Published: 26 Sep 2024 12:33pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews suspected Lithium-Ion batteries, thrown out in household rubbish, were the cause of a garbage truck fire yesterday on the Central Coast.
The truck caught alight just before 2pm at Hamlyn Terrace, forcing the driver to dump his burning load onto Sparks Road.
The FRNSW crew from Hamlyn Terrace was quickly on the scene as aerosol cans and other refuse exploded.
The firefighters attacked the blaze with two lines of hose, as flames spread to grass, backing onto houses nearby.
Once the pile of rubbish was cooled, the crew hit it with Compressed Air Foam to reach the seat of the flames.
The local council then brought in a backhoe to disperse the rubbish for easier extinguishment.
Firefighters examined the smouldering trash and discovered Lithium-Ion battery-powered items including a robot vacuum cleaner, a mobile phone and children's toys, leading them to suspect the cells have gone into 'thermal runaway' when compacted by the garbage truck or have at least intensified the fire.
Thermal runaway can occur when Lithium-Ion batteries are compromised or damaged.
When the cells overheat they can set off a chain reaction, releasing toxic gases before exploding in flames.
FRNSW urges households and businesses not to throw Lithium-Ion batteries out in the rubbish.
Instead, contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice.
Other tips include:
- Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging
- Don’t leave them constantly on charge
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home
For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]
Media note - FRNSW footage of the garbage truck fire is available here: https://vimeo.com/1012995362/e7a23d3a5f [external link]
Updated: 26 Sep 2024 12:38pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
48 Minnesota Road, Hamlyn Terrace NSW 2259
5 Hely Street, Wyong NSW 2259
302 Main Road, Toukley NSW 2263