NSW firefighters are battling a dramatic surge in lithium-ion battery fires, with more than one fire per day this month. This alarming trend has prompted fire officials to issue urgent warnings about potential fatalities and highlights the critical need for strict rules around lithium batteries, particularly within strata complexes.

The Growing Threat

The number of lithium-ion battery fires in NSW has increased significantly each year since 2022. Already in 2025, there have been 25 reported fires, with firefighters responding to more than one daily. A recent fire, suspected to be caused by an e-bike battery, underscores the danger.

Key Concerns for Strata

• Increased Frequency: The rapid rise in these fires poses a direct threat to the safety of residents and property within strata buildings.
• Recent Incidents: Multiple fires in quick succession demonstrate the volatile nature of these batteries and the potential for rapid escalation.
• Official Warnings: Fire and Rescue NSW officials have explicitly warned of the likelihood of fatalities from battery fires, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
• Improper Handling: The increasing use of these batteries, coupled with the potential for improper charging and storage, significantly elevates the risk in densely populated strata environments.

Data Highlights the Danger

• 2022: 165 fires
• 2023: 272 fires
• 2024: 318 fires
• 2025 (to date): 25 fires

Taking Proactive Steps in Strata

This surge in fires underscores the growing risk associated with lithium-ion batteries and the need for immediate action within strata. It is strongly recommended that strata committees consider implementing comprehensive by-laws addressing the following:

• E-bike and E-scooter Storage: Designating safe and appropriate storage areas, potentially away from common areas and flammable materials.
• Charging Regulations: Establishing clear guidelines for charging these devices, including restrictions on charging in common areas or overnight.
• Battery Disposal: Providing information and resources on the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
• Resident Education: Raising awareness among residents about the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and promoting safe handling practices.

For more information read the full media article here 

Protecting Your Community

By implementing a by-law and taking these proactive steps, strata committees can significantly reduce the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Prioritizing safety and working collaboratively with residents, building managers, and local authorities is crucial to ensuring a secure environment for the entire community. Don’t wait for a tragedy to happen – act now to protect your strata complex.

GET YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) BY-LAW HERE NOW!

Adrian Mueller I BCOM LLB FACCAL I Partner

Since 2002 Adrian has specialised almost exclusively in the area of strata law. His knowledge of, and experience in strata law is second to none. He is the youngest person to have been admitted as a Fellow of the ACSL, the peak body for strata lawyers in Australia. Profile I Linked

Contact Us

For all strata law advice including by-laws, building defects and levy collections contact our specialist NSW and Sydney strata lawyers here or call 02 9562 1266, we’re happy to assist.

Spring is here, and the risk of e-bike and e-scooter fires could rise as owners take advantage of the warmer weather. As these temperatures warm-up, so too does the likelihood of these light electric vehicles being left unattended in common areas to charge overnight.

September’s National Fire Prevention Month serves as a timely reminder of the serious dangers these fires pose. Tragically, hundreds of people across Australia (and worldwide) have been injured or killed due to e-vehicle fires, and online footage showcases the devastating power of these blazes.

To address this growing concern, FPA Australia has organized events like ‘Not so Safe Storage: The Risk of Light EVs in Common Areas’ as part of National Fire Protection Month during September. These initiatives aim to promote awareness and educate residents and the strata industry about the importance of safe e-vehicle charging and storage practices.

Implementing a well-crafted by-law is also a proactive step to mitigate the risk of e-vehicle fires in strata schemes. By establishing clear guidelines for charging, storage, registration, and resident education, owners corporations can significantly enhance the safety of their communities.

REDUCE YOUR FIRE RISK TODAY WITH AN E-BIKE / E-SCOOTER BY-LAW

Adrian Mueller I BCOM LLB FACCAL I Partner

Since 2002 Adrian has specialised almost exclusively in the area of strata law. His knowledge of, and experience in strata law is second to none. He is the youngest person to have been admitted as a Fellow of the ACSL, the peak body for strata lawyers in Australia. Profile I Linked

Contact Us

For all strata law advice including by-laws, building defects and levy collections contact our specialist NSW and Sydney strata lawyers here or call 02 9562 1266, we’re happy to assist. 

Caution as Lithium Batteries the Fastest Growing Fire Risk in NSW Units

The message from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) regarding the rise of lithium-ion battery-related fires across NSW is ‘be alert, cautious and proactive’.

It’s important that strata managers, strata committees and strata residents understand the fire risks related with lithium-ion batteries and to be prepared if things go wrong.

FRNSW has Published these Statistics

• 63 lithium-ion battery fires so far this year
• An average of 5.7 blazes per week
• Of those, there have been 2 deaths and 7 people injured
• On 14 March, 4 injuries occurred on that day, including due to a faulty battery discarded in a garbage bin that later ignited in a rubbish truck
• During 2023 injuries rose from 14 to 38 and have continued to rise
• In 2023, lithium-ion battery fires increased by 60% on the previous year

Sydney’s East Most Notable E-bike Fire Incidence

The most notable incident was in Sydney’s east in the highly dense suburb of North Bondi in late January 2024, with a faulty e-bike battery was left to charge overnight in a bedroom, and ignited, sparking a fire.

The four occupants were awoken at 4am by an explosion, and a fire alarm sounding, and luckily all escaped just in time, but one required treatment for a burn.

Lithium-ion batteries can be found in many household appliances and portable electronic-devices not only in e-bikes and e-scooters however with the increase of e-vehicles this has been the main cause for the increase in lithium battery fires.

FRNSW has expressed that greater awareness and education is needed about how to select, use, charge, store, and dispose of lithium-ion batteries, to reduce the risk of fire.

Important Proacative Safety Advice

• Never sleep or leave your home while lithium-ion batteries, or devices powered by them, are still charging
• Disconnect them from the charger once charged
• Avoid charging or storing them near exits and near flammable materials
• Never dispose of them in your rubbish, bins or recycling bins
• Used lithium-ion batteries can be taken to your nearest BCycle battery recycling drop-off point, often located in major retailers and supermarkets
• It’s important to always buy lithium-ion batteries and chargers from reputable brands and refrain from mixing different components
• You should have an e-bike/e-scooter by-law in place to manage residents and fire safety
• For more information visit FRNSW Lithium-ion Battery Safety
• If such a fire occurs, evacuate immediately, and call 000

REDUCE THE RISK OF BATTERY FIRE WITH A E-SCOOTER / E-BIKE BY-LAW

Adrian Mueller I BCOM LLB FACCAL I Partner

Since 2002 Adrian has specialised almost exclusively in the area of strata law. His knowledge of, and experience in strata law is second to none. He is the youngest person to have been admitted as a Fellow of the ACSL, the peak body for strata lawyers in Australia. Profile I Linked

Contact Us

For all strata law advice including by-laws, building defects and levy collections contact our specialist NSW and Sydney strata lawyers here or call 02 9562 1266, we’re happy to assist.