Battery and charger safety in focus

By Sam McNeill

Kate and Jefferson Hoober encourage the community to learn about battery and charging safety following an e-bike fire earlier this week.

Prominent locals Jefferson and Kate Hoober are encouraging the community to not be complacent following a rechargeable battery fire on Monday.

Shortly before 6 am, September 14, a charging e-bike caught fire in the family’s shed.

The couple recalled the exploding batteries sounded like “thunder” with flames reaching the shed’s ceiling.

However, with a nearby fire extinguisher and the help of quick thinking neighbours, the fire was soon put out.

Maryborough Fire Brigade Captain Darryl Wagstaff said the fire was “possibly” caused by a faulty charger, but best practices had not been followed.

The Hoober’s had charged the e-bike overnight while unmonitored.

Yet they’re not alone in their mistake.

Mr Wagstaff said the “majority” of the community don’t understand lithium-ion battery safety.

The rechargeable batteries have become increasingly commonplace, seen in e-bikes, and almost all modern devices that can be plugged into a charger.

“I think the community awareness at the moment is very low,” he said.

Jefferson Hoober said they had grown complacent when charging their devices.

“It’s a wake up call to us,” he said.

Kate Hoober said they were “extremely lucky” considering the possibly devastating consequences of battery fires.

“You hear things like this but you don’t ever expect it. You hear it and dismiss it,” she said.

The Hoober’s have decided to use their experience to improve the community’s understanding of charging and battery safety.

The CFA recommends people take simple steps when charging their devices:

Don’t use chargers with worn or damaged cables.

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Never charge damaged or swollen batteries.
Use the correct charger for the device and stop charging it once it’s full.
Don’t charge on soft surfaces, such as a bed or couch, which can cause the device to overheat and catch fire.
Avoid charging devices over-night or while unattended.
Larger batteries, seen in power tools and electric bikes, should be charged in the garage, shed or carport away from living spaces.

In the case of a fire, the CFA doesn’t recommend handling the device.

If a small battery or device, such as a phone, starts overheating the CFA said to:

Unplug the device if it was on charge.
Avoid inhaling any smoke or fumes.
If safe, move the device outside away from anything flammable and away from windows and doorframes.
To call Triple Zero (000), even if smoke or flames are no longer visible, because it may reignite.

If a device or battery is smoking or on fire the CFA recommend:

Mr Wagstaff also encouraged the community to have an easily accessible fire extinguisher and fire blanket in their home.

“It would be very wise for people to have some sort of extinguisher,” he said.

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