‘Please, heed our advice’: Urgent warning after devastating caravan fire leaves Aussies reeling
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Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionised modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
However, their convenience comes with a hidden danger—one that has been linked to an alarming rise in devastating fires across Australia.
A recent incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with these batteries, leaving authorities urging greater caution.
A $175,000 caravan was completely destroyed in a fire in South Australia after lithium-ion batteries inside caught alight, rapidly engulfing the vehicle in flames.
The blaze broke out on 3 March morning at the Auburn Community Caravan Park, with fire crews unable to save the 12-month-old motorhome.
SA's Country Fire Service reported that the occupants noticed smoke ‘coming out of the batteries’ before the fire started.
They managed to escape unharmed, but it was too late to save the caravan.
Authorities shared footage of the burned-out motorhome and urged caravanners to ‘please alert emergency services to ensure your safety’ if they ever spotted smoke from lithium-ion batteries.
Most caravans typically use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) batteries rather than standard lithium-ion ones, as they are better suited to the power demands of motorhomes.
Lithium-ion batteries, however, are more lightweight and energy-dense, which is why they are commonly found in smartphones and laptops.
Many who responded to the fire service’s warning noted that lithium-ion batteries are not usually used to power caravans.
However, they are often brought along to charge e-mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes.
Charging such batteries inside or leaving them unattended is strongly discouraged.
One commenter pointed out that the fire was ‘probably for a scooter or e-bike—and NOT the LiFePo batteries which usually run the caravan’.
Another warned that ‘insurance may not even pay out on this if they can prove they were being charged unattended’.
A third called for ‘more education about [batteries] please’.
Authorities across Australia have raised concerns over the increasing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries.
In New South Wales, since 2 February, there had already been 13 such incidents, including four within a 12-hour span.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell warned that ‘we know they are on the rise’, yet people were ‘still taking dangerous risks in their homes’.
‘Please, heed our advice. Lithium-ion fires are happening to households almost every day,’ he said.
With lithium-ion batteries now common in e-bikes, scooters, drones, and other rechargeable devices, the risk of fires has grown, particularly with the availability of poor-quality units.
In response to the danger, New South Wales recently introduced mandatory safety standards to help curb the rising number of incidents.
In a previous story, another driver issued a warning after experiencing a similarly devastating loss.
Their caravan was left ‘completely destroyed’, highlighting the growing dangers travellers face.
Read more about their experience and the critical safety advice they shared.
With lithium-ion battery fires on the rise, do you think more regulations are needed to prevent these dangerous incidents?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
However, their convenience comes with a hidden danger—one that has been linked to an alarming rise in devastating fires across Australia.
A recent incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with these batteries, leaving authorities urging greater caution.
A $175,000 caravan was completely destroyed in a fire in South Australia after lithium-ion batteries inside caught alight, rapidly engulfing the vehicle in flames.
The blaze broke out on 3 March morning at the Auburn Community Caravan Park, with fire crews unable to save the 12-month-old motorhome.
SA's Country Fire Service reported that the occupants noticed smoke ‘coming out of the batteries’ before the fire started.
$175k caravan destroyed after battery fire. Image source: SA Country Fire Service
They managed to escape unharmed, but it was too late to save the caravan.
Authorities shared footage of the burned-out motorhome and urged caravanners to ‘please alert emergency services to ensure your safety’ if they ever spotted smoke from lithium-ion batteries.
Most caravans typically use lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo) batteries rather than standard lithium-ion ones, as they are better suited to the power demands of motorhomes.
Lithium-ion batteries, however, are more lightweight and energy-dense, which is why they are commonly found in smartphones and laptops.
Many who responded to the fire service’s warning noted that lithium-ion batteries are not usually used to power caravans.
However, they are often brought along to charge e-mobility devices like scooters and e-bikes.
Charging such batteries inside or leaving them unattended is strongly discouraged.
One commenter pointed out that the fire was ‘probably for a scooter or e-bike—and NOT the LiFePo batteries which usually run the caravan’.
Another warned that ‘insurance may not even pay out on this if they can prove they were being charged unattended’.
A third called for ‘more education about [batteries] please’.
Authorities across Australia have raised concerns over the increasing number of fires linked to lithium-ion batteries.
In New South Wales, since 2 February, there had already been 13 such incidents, including four within a 12-hour span.
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell warned that ‘we know they are on the rise’, yet people were ‘still taking dangerous risks in their homes’.
‘Please, heed our advice. Lithium-ion fires are happening to households almost every day,’ he said.
With lithium-ion batteries now common in e-bikes, scooters, drones, and other rechargeable devices, the risk of fires has grown, particularly with the availability of poor-quality units.
In response to the danger, New South Wales recently introduced mandatory safety standards to help curb the rising number of incidents.
In a previous story, another driver issued a warning after experiencing a similarly devastating loss.
Their caravan was left ‘completely destroyed’, highlighting the growing dangers travellers face.
Read more about their experience and the critical safety advice they shared.
With lithium-ion battery fires on the rise, do you think more regulations are needed to prevent these dangerous incidents?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
