Townsville residents are being urged to exercise extreme caution this festive season, with local firefighters issuing a stark warning following a series of preventable house fires. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has highlighted two major culprits: unattended cooking and the improper charging of lithium-ion batteries.
Recent Incidents Spark Urgent Safety Plea
The warning comes directly from the front lines, with crews from the Townsville Fire and Rescue Station recently responding to dangerous blazes caused by these everyday hazards. In one case, a kitchen fire erupted when cooking was left unsupervised. In another, a lithium-ion battery, likely from a popular gift like an e-scooter, e-bike, or phone, overheated while charging and ignited.
These incidents have prompted Station Officer James Mcdonald to voice his concern publicly. "We've already seen a couple of fires in the Townsville area this month from these causes," Mcdonald stated, emphasising the increased risks during the hectic holiday period.
Understanding the Lithium Battery Threat
Lithium-ion batteries power a vast array of Christmas presents, from hoverboards and drones to laptops and power tools. However, they pose a significant fire risk if damaged, misused, or charged incorrectly. "The biggest problem we have with lithium batteries is people charging them on beds, on lounges, or leaving them charging for extended periods of time," Mcdonald explained.
These batteries can fail catastrophically in a process called 'thermal runaway,' leading to intense, fast-spreading fires that are difficult to extinguish. To mitigate this risk, firefighters recommend a strict safety protocol:
- Always charge batteries on a hard, non-flammable surface like a tile floor or concrete.
- Never leave them charging on soft furnishings, beds, or near flammable materials.
- Use only the manufacturer-approved charger for the device.
- Avoid charging batteries overnight or when you are not home.
- Inspect batteries for damage, swelling, or overheating and replace them if faulty.
Kitchen Caution During Festive Feasting
The Christmas kitchen is a hive of activity, which also makes it a prime location for fires. With multiple dishes cooking, distractions from guests and children, and potentially alcohol consumption, it's easy to forget a pot or pan on the stove. "A lot of the cooking fires we attend start from unattended cooking," Mcdonald noted.
QFES advises residents to adopt a simple but life-saving habit: "If you have to leave the kitchen, turn the stove off." Keeping flammable items like tea towels, oven mitts, and packaging away from heat sources is equally critical. Furthermore, having a working fire extinguisher or fire blanket readily accessible in the kitchen can prevent a small flare-up from becoming a disaster.
With the holiday season in full swing, the message from Townsville firefighters is clear. Vigilance is the key to a safe and merry Christmas. By taking a few extra moments to ensure batteries are charged safely and cooking is never left alone, families can dramatically reduce the risk of a festive celebration turning into a devastating emergency.
