Lithium battery fire in hospital ward

Published: 31 Jul 2023 03:51pm

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have responded to a lithium battery incident this morning at Campbelltown Hospital, in Sydney's south-west.

Three fire trucks, including a heavy Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) appliance, rushed to the hospital just after 7.30am in response to an automatic fire alarm in a ward.

It appears a computer battery on charge overheated and went into 'thermal runaway,' causing a small fire.

A number of staff who tried to douse the flames with fire extinguishers, are receiving care and are in a stable condition while being treated for smoke inhalation whilst others have been decontaminated and medically assessed.

Firefighters are assisting inquiries into the incident.

FRNSW continues to warn the public about the dangers of Lithium batteries.

The cells can pose a risk when they are over-charged and/or damaged.

For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]

Updated: 31 Jul 2023 03:55pm

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It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.

It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.

Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.

Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

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