Fireplace and Rescue NSW Performing Deputy Commissioner Trent Curtin stated there's a "regarding" development in a rising variety of fires in lithium-ion battery-powered gadgets like e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
"As we head into the Christmas interval we wish to make certain everyone seems to be conscious of the danger of not shopping for good high quality merchandise, we wish to make certain everybody is aware of they should cost them accurately and retailer them accurately," he stated.
Curtin stated two weeks in the past in northern NSW a little bit lady woke as much as the sound of crackling as her e-skateboard caught alight whereas charging.
The gadget created smoke and flames in her bed room and Curtin stated that is one instance of the risks of those batteries.
"The lady awoke early sufficient to listen to the skateboard crackling and was in a position to get out shortly," he stated.
"The younger lady obtained critical smoke inhalation and was rushed to hospital. It may have been a lot worse."
Curtin stated there had been 180 fires in NSW alone brought on by lithium-ion batteries.
"We wish to increase consciousness with the neighborhood to ensure persons are conscious of the dangers of overcharging or having broken the lithium-ion battery gadgets of their dwelling," Curtin stated.
"I am actually involved we'll see a dying in NSW."
Emergency Companies Minister Steph Cooke stated the variety of lithium-ion battery fires has elevated 10-fold within the final 12 months, from 16 to 180.
"It's actually essential we heed the warnings and make smart buying choices," she stated.
Curtin urged NSW residents to not try to extinguish a lithium-ion battery hearth themselves however to get out and name triple zero.
He stated the fires are troublesome to struggle because it takes a "copious quantity of water".
"In some instances, firefighters have needed to put battery packs in buckets of water for hours or days to extinguish them," he stated.
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