Popular Christmas gift ideas that can pose a fire risk

As gifts start piling up under the tree this festive season, firefighters are warning of popular items that could pose a fire risk.

Many of this year’s popular gifts are expected to contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that have been known to overheat and catch alight.

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) acting deputy commissioner Gavin Rooney said there were a large range of items that could contain the possibly dangerous battery.

“Lithium-ion batteries can be found in everything from e-bikes and e-scooters to toys, power tools and phones,” he said.

“While these products make our lives easier and have many positive environmental and social impacts, they occasionally can and do catch alight, especially if overcharged or not treated properly.”

Mr Rooney said fires started by lithium-ion batteries were behind a large number of emergency call-outs.

“In the past three months, Victorian firefighters have been responding to lithium-ion battery fires almost every day, and this trend is only expected to increase as more rechargeable batteries make their way into our homes,” he said.

“Within the past month, in fact, FRV firefighters attended three major house fires across Melbourne linked to e-bikes and e-bike chargers.

“In each case, the properties were significantly damaged or destroyed by the fires, and it is lucky that nobody was injured.”

There were a couple of things people could do to limit the risk of battery fires, Mr Rooney said.

“It is crucial that people only buy products from reputable suppliers, use the charger supplied with the device and charge items outdoors or in rooms with smoke alarms,” he said.

Tampering or trying to modify the battery can also increase the risk of overheating and potential fires.

Country Fire Authority Assistant chief fire officer Paul Carrigg said there were some signs to look out for in the case of an overheating battery.

“Lithium-ion batteries are energy dense and contain chemicals,” he said.

“When these batteries overheat they can release toxic and highly flammable gases.

“Stop using or charging the product if you notice strong odours, extreme heat, change in shape, leaking or unusual sounds. Leave the area and call triple-0 immediately.”

Other tips to avoid lithium-ion battery fires are:

• Don’t modify or tamper with the batteries and the appliances they power.

• Don’t leave batteries charging in direct sunlight or for longer than they need to.

• Only charge batteries on non-combustible surfaces in a room where a smoke alarm is present.

• Don’t use batteries or devices that show signs of swelling, bulging, leaking or overheating.

• Don’t charge items close to a door that would block your exit if the item did catch fire.