Queensland authorities have confirmed that a “failed” lithium-ion battery caused a fire that destroyed two caravans at a Bundaberg dealership.
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) responded to the blaze on Monday, but the fire had already spread to a neighbouring caravan.
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A QFD spokesperson said that their investigation identified a “failed lithium-ion battery next to a mattress” as the fire’s source.
It is unclear whether the affected caravans were new or secondhand, and the dealership declined to comment.
Luke Chippendale, Communications Manager for the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), said incidents involving batteries in caravans have been relatively rare.
“There are issues from a (battery) industry perspective, but this isn’t necessarily specific or unique to caravanning,” Mr Chippendale said.
Authorities have also urged caravan owners to stay informed about regulatory changes and safety precautions.
“The new regulations stipulate that a lithium battery cannot be installed in habitable living areas,” he said.
“Most installations now occur in a sealed-off area vented to the exterior environment.”
From July 1, all caravans or motorhomes in Queensland must have photoelectric smoke alarms installed at the start or transfer of the registration period.
QFD’s Mark Halverson highlighted the importance of using correct chargers and ideally charging devices outdoors.
“Using an incorrect charger is very dangerous and likely to result in a fire,” he warned.
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