Queensland authorities have identified a "failed" lithium-ion battery as the cause of a blaze that destroyed two caravans at a Bundaberg dealership earlier this week.
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) responded swiftly to the fire on Monday, but the flames had already spread to a neighboring caravan before they could be extinguished.
The fire occurred at a dealership located about 400 kilometers north of Brisbane. Thanks to the prompt response, no further damage was reported to other properties.
Investigations by the QFD revealed that the fire started due to a "failed lithium-ion battery next to a mattress." The status of the caravans, whether they were new or secondhand, remains unclear as the dealership declined to comment.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) commented on the incident, noting that while lithium-ion batteries are critical to the electrical systems in caravans, battery-related fires have been relatively rare.
"There are issues from a [battery] industry perspective, this isn't necessarily specific or unique to caravanning," ABC cited CIAA Communications Manager Luke Chippendale as sayinmg.
In light of the incident, authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to safety regulations and staying informed about industry changes. Mr. Chippendale pointed out significant updates to the Australian Standard for electrical supply in new caravans, which came into effect last November. These regulations mandate that lithium batteries cannot be installed in habitable living areas within caravans or trailers.
Starting July 1, all caravans and motorhomes in Queensland will be required to have photoelectric smoke alarms installed on the ceiling at the beginning or during the transfer of the registration period.
