WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has warned homeowners over a rise in lithium-ion battery fires, echoing concerns raised by insurers in recent months.

The state’s emergency services have responded to 70 fires ignited by lithium-ion batteries so far this year and expects to pass the record of 110 set last year.

A spate of fires sparked by e-bikes or e-scooters is especially worrying because the blazes can spread quickly and are difficult to extinguish. 

Such “e-rideables” have caused 20 fires this year, including two earlier this month that destroyed homes in Karratha and Carlisle.

The government defines e-rideables as having at least one wheel, a speed limit of 25kmh on level ground and being for use by one person.

It says cheap products and batteries have flooded the market in recent years and the batteries are now becoming damaged or reaching the end of their lives. These are being replaced by incompatible alternatives, posing a further fire risk.

“Lithium-ion batteries are relatively safe when you buy them from reputable suppliers and treat them with care,” Mr Dawson said. “But compromised products that overheat and explode have caused fatal house fires overseas and interstate – we don’t want Western Australians at risk.”

The state’s fire services commissioner Darren Klemm says lithium-ion batteries have fast become one of the “greatest” fire risks in homes, as the use of cordless power tools and e-rideables grows.

“But these fires are preventable if you follow safety advice including charging on a hard surface and not leaving devices on charge indefinitely,” he said.

Other states including NSW and Victoria have also noted a rise in lithium-ion battery fires in homes.

A report last October from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said there were 231 recalls between 2017 and 2022 involving lithium-ion batteries and products containing them. These recalls affect an estimated 89,000 products on the market.

In December, the Insurance Council of Australia warned about the battery fire risk.

“The growing popularity of e-scooters and e-bikes underscores the need for users to be aware of the potential risks and implement safety measures,” CEO Andrew Hall said. “We are seeing ... too regularly fires caused by owners who are careless using, charging and storing their devices, resulting in serious injuries and damaging assets.”

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