Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews suspected lithium-ion batteries, thrown out in household rubbish, were the cause of a garbage truck fire on Wednesday, September 25.
The truck caught alight just before 2pm at Hamlyn Terrace, forcing the quick-thinking driver to dump his burning load onto Sparks Rd.
A FRNSW crew from Hamlyn Terrace was quickly on the scene, backed up by Warnervale Rural Fire Brigade, and the fire was well developed as aerosol cans and other refuse exploded.
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.
Central Coast 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; and beware of cheap, substandard lithium battery-powered devices.
FRNSW also advises to 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; and don’t store or charge lithium-ion-powered devices near exit points in your home.