Australians are being urged to stay on high alert this winter as everyday electrical items – particularly lithium batteries – are linked to a sharp rise in house fires.
Authorities warn the risk is surging just as colder weather sets in.
It comes as a garbage truck in Sydney’s south was forced to dump its load in a local car park last week after a crushed lithium battery reportedly sparked a blaze mid‑route.
No one was injured, with Fire and Rescue NSW quickly extinguishing the flames and the site later declared safe, Sutherland Shire Council said.
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The incident serves as a timely reminder not to place batteries in household bins, with a council spokesperson noting fires like this are often triggered by batteries hidden in general waste.
Meanwhile, fresh figures from Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services point to a clear winter danger.
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Fire crews are urging Aussies to stay vigilant around certain electrical items this winter. Source: DFES
DFES recorded 274 house fires last winter – roughly three a day – up from 219 in 2024, a 25 per cent jump year‑on‑year.
“We want the public to be alert to the risks but not alarmed,” Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said.
Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said two people in WA have died in structure fires so far this year.
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Fire and Rescue NSW were on scene of a garbage truck fire last week, believed to have been ignited by a lithium battery. Source: Sutherland Shire Council
Batteries must never go in your bin. Source: Sutherland Shire Council
DFES says everyday electrical items are frequently behind these destructive blazes.
Electrical equipment and appliances accounted for nearly a quarter of all house fires last winter, with unattended cooking and items placed too close to heaters also among the top causes.
Over the past five years, winter house fires started by electrical goods have climbed by more than 50 per cent, according to Commissioner Klemm.
Lithium‑ion batteries were blamed for 15 house fires last winter alone, while powerboards, chargers and dryers have been implicated in other incidents around WA.
DFES notes these products are generally safe, but when they’re installed, used or maintained incorrectly they can pose a serious fire risk.
According to Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm winter house fires, which were started by electrical goods, have increased by more than 50 per cent. Source: DFES
Authorities are urging households to check electrical appliances and chargers, and to take simple precautions — especially in garages and storage areas where power tools and batteries are commonly kept.
“We’re seeing some particularly fast-moving and destructive fires starting in areas like garages where people typically store electrical products like power tools and chargers,” Commissioner Klemm said.
“In addition to hard-wired smoke alarms in the home, I’d urge Australians to consider installing an interconnected heat alarm in garages and storage rooms to protect their property and loved ones.”