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Charging into Risk: Community perceptions of lithium-ion battery fires and emergency services' climate leadership
This presentation examines how Queenslanders understand and manage the emerging fire risks associated with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and what they expect from emergency services in the context of climate adaptation and the clean energy transition.
Drawing on the 2025 Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Community Insights Survey of 2,100 adults, it finds that while 81% of respondents recognise that lithium-ion batteries can cause sudden and dangerous fires, far fewer feel confident about safe charging (57%), safe disposal (53%), or recognising when a battery is unfit for use (42%), with younger adults, renters, students, females and non English speakers consistently less confident than older homeowners. These patterns are considered alongside QFD’s technical guidance on lithium-ion hazards—thermal runaway, toxic and flammable vapours, re-ignition risk—and current initiatives to address rising lithium-ion related fires and battery disposal risks.
The presentation situates lithium-ion safety within Queensland’s broader decarbonisation agenda, highlighting how uptake of rooftop solar, home batteries, electric vehicles and e-mobility devices is increasing the density of battery assets in homes, rentals and public spaces, with implications for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Survey responses on “How can QFD support climate resilience?” reveal strong community expectations that emergency services provide clear, practical advice about safely integrating alternative energy systems into homes and businesses, complementing the roles of regulators, councils and industry.
The presentation outlines opportunities for the emergency management sector to enhance community preparedness through targeted public education, tailored messaging for higher-risk groups, closer alignment with policy and regulatory reforms, and the integration of lithium-ion risks into risk profiling, doctrine and partnerships. Together, these actions position lithium-ion battery safety as a core element of an all hazards, climate ready approach to enhancing community safety.
Drawing on the 2025 Queensland Fire Department (QFD) Community Insights Survey of 2,100 adults, it finds that while 81% of respondents recognise that lithium-ion batteries can cause sudden and dangerous fires, far fewer feel confident about safe charging (57%), safe disposal (53%), or recognising when a battery is unfit for use (42%), with younger adults, renters, students, females and non English speakers consistently less confident than older homeowners. These patterns are considered alongside QFD’s technical guidance on lithium-ion hazards—thermal runaway, toxic and flammable vapours, re-ignition risk—and current initiatives to address rising lithium-ion related fires and battery disposal risks.
The presentation situates lithium-ion safety within Queensland’s broader decarbonisation agenda, highlighting how uptake of rooftop solar, home batteries, electric vehicles and e-mobility devices is increasing the density of battery assets in homes, rentals and public spaces, with implications for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Survey responses on “How can QFD support climate resilience?” reveal strong community expectations that emergency services provide clear, practical advice about safely integrating alternative energy systems into homes and businesses, complementing the roles of regulators, councils and industry.
The presentation outlines opportunities for the emergency management sector to enhance community preparedness through targeted public education, tailored messaging for higher-risk groups, closer alignment with policy and regulatory reforms, and the integration of lithium-ion risks into risk profiling, doctrine and partnerships. Together, these actions position lithium-ion battery safety as a core element of an all hazards, climate ready approach to enhancing community safety.
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