Twelve fires in a year. All started by batteries.
And that's just locally. Nationally, lithium-ion battery incidents have more than doubled in recent years — a trend that makes Southland's twelve fires feel less like a local quirk and more like a symptom of something bigger.
Southland Fire & Emergency are urging Invercargill & Southland residents to take a hard look at how they charge and store batteries at home, after a sharp reminder that the devices powering everyday life — phones, e-bikes, power tools, scooters — can turn dangerous fast.
Damaged, overheated, or incorrectly charged batteries are the culprit. Improper disposal doesn't help either. The fix is mostly common sense, but clearly worth repeating.
The basics:
-Use the right charger — Only use the manufacturer-supplied charger or a certified compatible one. Cheap knock-offs are a common cause of failure, and your bargain-bin USB charger is not worth a house fire.
-Avoid overcharging — Don't leave devices charging overnight or unattended. Unplug once fully charged. Charge during the day when you're awake and can actually notice if something goes wrong.
-Keep away from hazards — Store and charge batteries away from heat, direct sunlight, flammable materials, beds, couches, and carpets. E-bikes and scooters are best charged outdoors or in a garage or shed — and clear of escape routes.
-Inspect regularly — Stop using any battery that is swollen, leaking, cracked, or overheating. Don't put it in the household rubbish. Take it to an approved recycling centre or collection point — many councils and retailers offer free drop-off.
None of this is complicated. But twelve fires in a single year suggests the message hasn't fully landed.
A couple of Southland-specific things worth noting: in our cooler, damper climate, moisture exposure can quietly damage batteries over time. And for anyone using power tools or e-mobility devices on farms or around town — let them cool down before plugging them in.
E-bikes and scooters deserve particular attention here. Their larger lithium-ion battery packs carry more energy and more risk than a phone battery. Charging one in a hallway or near a doorway is a bad idea. If it goes wrong, you want an exit, not a blocked one. With e-bikes becoming increasingly popular across Invercargill and Southland, that's a risk more households are carrying than they probably realise.
The other non-negotiable: working smoke alarms. Every room. Tested regularly. Lithium fires can produce toxic smoke and re-ignite even after appearing to be out — early warning isn't just helpful, it's critical. A charging e-bike that catches fire at 2am in a quiet house is exactly the scenario smoke alarms exist for.
And if a battery fire does start: evacuate immediately and call 111. Do not use water — it can make things significantly worse. Specialist extinguishers are needed, and FENZ recommends getting professional help fast.
Small habits, checked regularly, are all it takes. Share this with friends and family — especially anyone who just bought an e-bike and is currently charging it next to the couch.