Latest news with #MarkHalverson
Sydney Morning Herald
6 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane news live: How e-bike battery fires are starting
Latest posts Latest posts 7.21am How e-bike battery fires are starting By E-scooter battery fires have been sparked by people using incorrect chargers supplying too much voltage or overcharging due to being plugged in for too long, Queensland Fire Department state fire investigation unit Inspector Darren Mallouk says. 'But also we're seeing quite a few home DIY modifications occurring,' he said. 'There's also a big second-hand market for these things now … so you don't know the history of the device you're purchasing, and you don't know what abuse that battery has seen.' But state fire safety section Superintendent Mark Halverson said high quality e-bikes and scooters generally had an inbuilt battery management system. 'That's a large problem where the low-quality products don't have that system to cut the charge off when they are fully charged,' he said. Mallouk said most fire issues were with privately bought rather than hired devices. In 2024/25 there were 94 fires due to e-scooter and e-bike battery fires. 7.17am The weather this Wednesday Will it rain in Brisbane today? The Bureau of Meteorology says the chance of precipitation is at 95 per cent, so we'll take that as a recommendation to have your umbrella with you. 7.16am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: Ozzy Osbourne, the gloomy lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath who became the throaty, growling voice of heavy metal, has died, weeks after his farewell show. He was 76. Closer to home, here's what the average person with $3 million in super looks like. The average wage-earner who would be hit by Labor's superannuation tax changes is an older man pulling in more than $240,000 a year and living in a major city. In her maiden speech to parliament, Ali France, the Labor MP who defeated Peter Dutton, has told of the heartbreaking final days she shared with her 19-year-old son, Henry, before his death last year. Virgin Australia says it is rethinking its policy on passengers taking power packs, used for charging mobile phones, as carry-on items after a fire on a Sydney-to-Hobart flight. The man leading Donald Trump's push to build more ships and submarines is a critic of Australia who has questioned whether Canberra can be trusted to stick with the AUKUS agreement, and whether it is ready to help the US take on China. A Texas father who moved his family to Russia to escape 'woke' America has been sent to the front line in Ukraine. And superstar troubadour Ed Sheeran has announced the dates for next year's Loop Tour, in which he will play a number of stadium shows around the country, including Brisbane. 6.45am The top stories this morning Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Wednesday, July 23. Today should bring showers, with a top temperature of 22 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Exactly seven years before the Brisbane 2032 cauldron is lit, the state government is confident it will be able to handle an expected Games-inspired spike in sports participation. Also on the Olympics, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will deliver a 20-year $70.7 billion windfall to Australia, Deloitte has claimed – but only if the Games act as a catalyst for economic reform. Home-school parents have had their calls for a system overhaul answered after the state accepted all eight recommendations of an independent report into the sector. In sport, after helping the Maroons to a stunning series win, 32-year-old Kurt Mann is on track to realise another childhood dream, by becoming the oldest player to debut for the Kangaroos.
The Age
6 days ago
- The Age
Brisbane news live: How e-bike battery fires are starting
Latest posts Latest posts 7.21am How e-bike battery fires are starting By E-scooter battery fires have been sparked by people using incorrect chargers supplying too much voltage or overcharging due to being plugged in for too long, Queensland Fire Department state fire investigation unit Inspector Darren Mallouk says. Loading 'But also we're seeing quite a few home DIY modifications occurring,' he said. 'There's also a big second-hand market for these things now … so you don't know the history of the device you're purchasing, and you don't know what abuse that battery has seen.' But state fire safety section Superintendent Mark Halverson said high quality e-bikes and scooters generally had an inbuilt battery management system. 'That's a large problem where the low-quality products don't have that system to cut the charge off when they are fully charged,' he said. Mallouk said most fire issues were with privately bought rather than hired devices. In 2024/25 there were 94 fires due to e-scooter and e-bike battery fires. 7.17am The weather this Wednesday Will it rain in Brisbane today? The Bureau of Meteorology says the chance of precipitation is at 95 per cent, so we'll take that as a recommendation to have your umbrella with you. 7.16am While you were sleeping Here's what's making news further afield this morning: Ozzy Osbourne, the gloomy lead singer of the pioneering band Black Sabbath who became the throaty, growling voice of heavy metal, has died, weeks after his farewell show. He was 76. Closer to home, here's what the average person with $3 million in super looks like. The average wage-earner who would be hit by Labor's superannuation tax changes is an older man pulling in more than $240,000 a year and living in a major city. In her maiden speech to parliament, Ali France, the Labor MP who defeated Peter Dutton, has told of the heartbreaking final days she shared with her 19-year-old son, Henry, before his death last year. Virgin Australia says it is rethinking its policy on passengers taking power packs, used for charging mobile phones, as carry-on items after a fire on a Sydney-to-Hobart flight. The man leading Donald Trump's push to build more ships and submarines is a critic of Australia who has questioned whether Canberra can be trusted to stick with the AUKUS agreement, and whether it is ready to help the US take on China. A Texas father who moved his family to Russia to escape 'woke' America has been sent to the front line in Ukraine. And superstar troubadour Ed Sheeran has announced the dates for next year's Loop Tour, in which he will play a number of stadium shows around the country, including Brisbane. 6.45am The top stories this morning Good morning, and welcome to Brisbane Times' live news coverage for Wednesday, July 23. Today should bring showers, with a top temperature of 22 degrees. In this morning's local headlines: Exactly seven years before the Brisbane 2032 cauldron is lit, the state government is confident it will be able to handle an expected Games-inspired spike in sports participation. Also on the Olympics, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will deliver a 20-year $70.7 billion windfall to Australia, Deloitte has claimed – but only if the Games act as a catalyst for economic reform. Home-school parents have had their calls for a system overhaul answered after the state accepted all eight recommendations of an independent report into the sector. In sport, after helping the Maroons to a stunning series win, 32-year-old Kurt Mann is on track to realise another childhood dream, by becoming the oldest player to debut for the Kangaroos.
The Advertiser
13-06-2025
- The Advertiser
Phone charge cables, heaters pose huge risk for grey nomads
Simple everyday items can lead to catastrophe in a caravan, whether you're travelling around Australia in one or living in it full time. A standard home can take just minutes to burn to the ground - but travelling homes can go up in flames even faster, and there's only one door for escape. "Fires in caravans can be especially dangerous, particularly when people are sleeping, as fires often block the normal path of escape from the bed the door. Tragically, two people died in preventable caravan fires in Victoria last year," said Victoria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Community Safety, Darren McQuade. "We also know that people aged over 65 are more likely to die in house fires, so we urge senior Victorians to prioritise fire safety in their homes and caravans." There were more than 100 caravan and campervan fires in Queensland in 2024, and over the last five years there were more than 355 in NSW. In the first half of 2025 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have already responded to 42 caravan fires. Queensland Fire Department's Executive Manager Fire Safety, Superintendent Mark Halverson told The Senior people should always have an evacuation plan as seconds can literally save lives. Read more from The Senior: "People do need to consider if there's anything that would be a hindrance to their evacuation," he said. "Especially at night time, when they're in bed asleep. Leave your pathways clear. You also need to consider the mobility of each person." The Superintendent also wants Aussies to be able to unlock their door easily in the dark, even when there is smoke. Heating can pose an even bigger threat than in a house because of the lack of space. "If people are using any type of heater and it's in close proximity to anything that will burn - bedding, clothes, lounges, then the risk is there," he said. When a charger is lost or misplaced, it's not always feasible to just pop into the local electronics store if you've pulled up somewhere remote. Sharing a charger with your neighbouring caravan mate might seem logical, but Supt Halverson said it's one of the biggest fire hazards. "Just because a charger will physically connect into the charging port doesn't necessarily mean that it is the correct charger," he said. "Having the correct battery charger is absolutely paramount." Anything that can be charged usually has a lithium-ion battery, and the country has seen an increase in 'toys, tools and devices' that contain these batteries, as well as catastrophic fires from when they overheat. By using the wrong chord, a device can get too hot - increasing the risk of danger to you and your caravan. If there was some smoke from a device in your van or a small fire that was extinguished - still play it safe. "Lithium ion batteries are very prone to re-ignition, and that re-ignition can be minutes, hours or even days later," he said. "It might have only shown some early signs, like unusual noises like hissing or crackling, unusual smell, any sort of a smoke cloud or vapor or any sign of overheating." The superintendent said even if a device seems to have gone 'back to normal' it should still be taken outside and discarded or be serviced. If you've just ridden your e-scooter or just used your drone, chances are the battery will still be hot. To avoid a fire hazard, allow time for it to cool down before charging. For other devices Aussies also need to be mindful of the location of where a device is charged. "Certainly not where they can ever get water ingress, indirect sunlight or in a really hot area," Supt Halverson said. It is also recommended to never charge on surfaces that are easily heated, such as on beds or lounges. Just because a mobile home is small doesn't mean it won't need a smoke alarm - it is still important people are aware of a fire quickly and exit early. But each state and territory has different laws about mandatory smoke alarms in caravans. Since July 2024 in Queensland, all caravans and motor homes that are newly registered or transferred to another person are required to have one photoelectric smoke alarm - though from July 2027, this will be the case for all registered caravans and motor homes in the Sunshine State. In Victoria, all moveable dwellings - including caravans - must have working smoke alarms also. Supt Halverson said wherever people are sleeping - registered or unregistered - he would recommend a smoke alarm. "That is the very best means of giving occupants the early warning of a fire," he said. Caravans and many mobile homes rely on an external power supply coming in, so it is always be aware not to overload it with multiple devices. "Piggybacking power points is certainly very risky, and it is strongly advised against," Supt Halverson said. It is also advised for to ensure anything connected to power should be regularly checked for damage. Your gas cooker should also be in good working order - so make sure this doesn't get overlooked. A fire blanket is effective at extinguishing a stove fire in a caravan or mobile home, just as it is in a home or office. A dry powder extinguisher is also effective to put out different types of fires. But, the conundrum is where to keep it in such a small space, Supt Halverson said. "Every caravan has a different layout, of course, but you obviously wouldn't want to put your fire blanket in some sort of a cupboard or storage immediately above a cooking area," he said. "If there's a fire there, you might not be able to access it without getting burnt. It needs to be nearby, but not directly above." "If there is a fire in your caravan overnight, make sure ... all evacuate outside safely together," Supt Halverson said. Once outside, call triple zero and wait for the fire service. "Under no circumstances ever go back inside a burning caravan, no matter what it is you think you might need to retrieve," he said. "It might seem to be a comparatively small and manageable fire, but if it's in a lithium-ion battery-powered device, it does have the possibility that it could actually escalate into a much larger fire in a very, very quick period of time." Simple everyday items can lead to catastrophe in a caravan, whether you're travelling around Australia in one or living in it full time. A standard home can take just minutes to burn to the ground - but travelling homes can go up in flames even faster, and there's only one door for escape. "Fires in caravans can be especially dangerous, particularly when people are sleeping, as fires often block the normal path of escape from the bed the door. Tragically, two people died in preventable caravan fires in Victoria last year," said Victoria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Community Safety, Darren McQuade. "We also know that people aged over 65 are more likely to die in house fires, so we urge senior Victorians to prioritise fire safety in their homes and caravans." There were more than 100 caravan and campervan fires in Queensland in 2024, and over the last five years there were more than 355 in NSW. In the first half of 2025 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have already responded to 42 caravan fires. Queensland Fire Department's Executive Manager Fire Safety, Superintendent Mark Halverson told The Senior people should always have an evacuation plan as seconds can literally save lives. Read more from The Senior: "People do need to consider if there's anything that would be a hindrance to their evacuation," he said. "Especially at night time, when they're in bed asleep. Leave your pathways clear. You also need to consider the mobility of each person." The Superintendent also wants Aussies to be able to unlock their door easily in the dark, even when there is smoke. Heating can pose an even bigger threat than in a house because of the lack of space. "If people are using any type of heater and it's in close proximity to anything that will burn - bedding, clothes, lounges, then the risk is there," he said. When a charger is lost or misplaced, it's not always feasible to just pop into the local electronics store if you've pulled up somewhere remote. Sharing a charger with your neighbouring caravan mate might seem logical, but Supt Halverson said it's one of the biggest fire hazards. "Just because a charger will physically connect into the charging port doesn't necessarily mean that it is the correct charger," he said. "Having the correct battery charger is absolutely paramount." Anything that can be charged usually has a lithium-ion battery, and the country has seen an increase in 'toys, tools and devices' that contain these batteries, as well as catastrophic fires from when they overheat. By using the wrong chord, a device can get too hot - increasing the risk of danger to you and your caravan. If there was some smoke from a device in your van or a small fire that was extinguished - still play it safe. "Lithium ion batteries are very prone to re-ignition, and that re-ignition can be minutes, hours or even days later," he said. "It might have only shown some early signs, like unusual noises like hissing or crackling, unusual smell, any sort of a smoke cloud or vapor or any sign of overheating." The superintendent said even if a device seems to have gone 'back to normal' it should still be taken outside and discarded or be serviced. If you've just ridden your e-scooter or just used your drone, chances are the battery will still be hot. To avoid a fire hazard, allow time for it to cool down before charging. For other devices Aussies also need to be mindful of the location of where a device is charged. "Certainly not where they can ever get water ingress, indirect sunlight or in a really hot area," Supt Halverson said. It is also recommended to never charge on surfaces that are easily heated, such as on beds or lounges. Just because a mobile home is small doesn't mean it won't need a smoke alarm - it is still important people are aware of a fire quickly and exit early. But each state and territory has different laws about mandatory smoke alarms in caravans. Since July 2024 in Queensland, all caravans and motor homes that are newly registered or transferred to another person are required to have one photoelectric smoke alarm - though from July 2027, this will be the case for all registered caravans and motor homes in the Sunshine State. In Victoria, all moveable dwellings - including caravans - must have working smoke alarms also. Supt Halverson said wherever people are sleeping - registered or unregistered - he would recommend a smoke alarm. "That is the very best means of giving occupants the early warning of a fire," he said. Caravans and many mobile homes rely on an external power supply coming in, so it is always be aware not to overload it with multiple devices. "Piggybacking power points is certainly very risky, and it is strongly advised against," Supt Halverson said. It is also advised for to ensure anything connected to power should be regularly checked for damage. Your gas cooker should also be in good working order - so make sure this doesn't get overlooked. A fire blanket is effective at extinguishing a stove fire in a caravan or mobile home, just as it is in a home or office. A dry powder extinguisher is also effective to put out different types of fires. But, the conundrum is where to keep it in such a small space, Supt Halverson said. "Every caravan has a different layout, of course, but you obviously wouldn't want to put your fire blanket in some sort of a cupboard or storage immediately above a cooking area," he said. "If there's a fire there, you might not be able to access it without getting burnt. It needs to be nearby, but not directly above." "If there is a fire in your caravan overnight, make sure ... all evacuate outside safely together," Supt Halverson said. Once outside, call triple zero and wait for the fire service. "Under no circumstances ever go back inside a burning caravan, no matter what it is you think you might need to retrieve," he said. "It might seem to be a comparatively small and manageable fire, but if it's in a lithium-ion battery-powered device, it does have the possibility that it could actually escalate into a much larger fire in a very, very quick period of time." Simple everyday items can lead to catastrophe in a caravan, whether you're travelling around Australia in one or living in it full time. A standard home can take just minutes to burn to the ground - but travelling homes can go up in flames even faster, and there's only one door for escape. "Fires in caravans can be especially dangerous, particularly when people are sleeping, as fires often block the normal path of escape from the bed the door. Tragically, two people died in preventable caravan fires in Victoria last year," said Victoria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Community Safety, Darren McQuade. "We also know that people aged over 65 are more likely to die in house fires, so we urge senior Victorians to prioritise fire safety in their homes and caravans." There were more than 100 caravan and campervan fires in Queensland in 2024, and over the last five years there were more than 355 in NSW. In the first half of 2025 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have already responded to 42 caravan fires. Queensland Fire Department's Executive Manager Fire Safety, Superintendent Mark Halverson told The Senior people should always have an evacuation plan as seconds can literally save lives. Read more from The Senior: "People do need to consider if there's anything that would be a hindrance to their evacuation," he said. "Especially at night time, when they're in bed asleep. Leave your pathways clear. You also need to consider the mobility of each person." The Superintendent also wants Aussies to be able to unlock their door easily in the dark, even when there is smoke. Heating can pose an even bigger threat than in a house because of the lack of space. "If people are using any type of heater and it's in close proximity to anything that will burn - bedding, clothes, lounges, then the risk is there," he said. When a charger is lost or misplaced, it's not always feasible to just pop into the local electronics store if you've pulled up somewhere remote. Sharing a charger with your neighbouring caravan mate might seem logical, but Supt Halverson said it's one of the biggest fire hazards. "Just because a charger will physically connect into the charging port doesn't necessarily mean that it is the correct charger," he said. "Having the correct battery charger is absolutely paramount." Anything that can be charged usually has a lithium-ion battery, and the country has seen an increase in 'toys, tools and devices' that contain these batteries, as well as catastrophic fires from when they overheat. By using the wrong chord, a device can get too hot - increasing the risk of danger to you and your caravan. If there was some smoke from a device in your van or a small fire that was extinguished - still play it safe. "Lithium ion batteries are very prone to re-ignition, and that re-ignition can be minutes, hours or even days later," he said. "It might have only shown some early signs, like unusual noises like hissing or crackling, unusual smell, any sort of a smoke cloud or vapor or any sign of overheating." The superintendent said even if a device seems to have gone 'back to normal' it should still be taken outside and discarded or be serviced. If you've just ridden your e-scooter or just used your drone, chances are the battery will still be hot. To avoid a fire hazard, allow time for it to cool down before charging. For other devices Aussies also need to be mindful of the location of where a device is charged. "Certainly not where they can ever get water ingress, indirect sunlight or in a really hot area," Supt Halverson said. It is also recommended to never charge on surfaces that are easily heated, such as on beds or lounges. Just because a mobile home is small doesn't mean it won't need a smoke alarm - it is still important people are aware of a fire quickly and exit early. But each state and territory has different laws about mandatory smoke alarms in caravans. Since July 2024 in Queensland, all caravans and motor homes that are newly registered or transferred to another person are required to have one photoelectric smoke alarm - though from July 2027, this will be the case for all registered caravans and motor homes in the Sunshine State. In Victoria, all moveable dwellings - including caravans - must have working smoke alarms also. Supt Halverson said wherever people are sleeping - registered or unregistered - he would recommend a smoke alarm. "That is the very best means of giving occupants the early warning of a fire," he said. Caravans and many mobile homes rely on an external power supply coming in, so it is always be aware not to overload it with multiple devices. "Piggybacking power points is certainly very risky, and it is strongly advised against," Supt Halverson said. It is also advised for to ensure anything connected to power should be regularly checked for damage. Your gas cooker should also be in good working order - so make sure this doesn't get overlooked. A fire blanket is effective at extinguishing a stove fire in a caravan or mobile home, just as it is in a home or office. A dry powder extinguisher is also effective to put out different types of fires. But, the conundrum is where to keep it in such a small space, Supt Halverson said. "Every caravan has a different layout, of course, but you obviously wouldn't want to put your fire blanket in some sort of a cupboard or storage immediately above a cooking area," he said. "If there's a fire there, you might not be able to access it without getting burnt. It needs to be nearby, but not directly above." "If there is a fire in your caravan overnight, make sure ... all evacuate outside safely together," Supt Halverson said. Once outside, call triple zero and wait for the fire service. "Under no circumstances ever go back inside a burning caravan, no matter what it is you think you might need to retrieve," he said. "It might seem to be a comparatively small and manageable fire, but if it's in a lithium-ion battery-powered device, it does have the possibility that it could actually escalate into a much larger fire in a very, very quick period of time." Simple everyday items can lead to catastrophe in a caravan, whether you're travelling around Australia in one or living in it full time. A standard home can take just minutes to burn to the ground - but travelling homes can go up in flames even faster, and there's only one door for escape. "Fires in caravans can be especially dangerous, particularly when people are sleeping, as fires often block the normal path of escape from the bed the door. Tragically, two people died in preventable caravan fires in Victoria last year," said Victoria's Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Community Safety, Darren McQuade. "We also know that people aged over 65 are more likely to die in house fires, so we urge senior Victorians to prioritise fire safety in their homes and caravans." There were more than 100 caravan and campervan fires in Queensland in 2024, and over the last five years there were more than 355 in NSW. In the first half of 2025 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) have already responded to 42 caravan fires. Queensland Fire Department's Executive Manager Fire Safety, Superintendent Mark Halverson told The Senior people should always have an evacuation plan as seconds can literally save lives. Read more from The Senior: "People do need to consider if there's anything that would be a hindrance to their evacuation," he said. "Especially at night time, when they're in bed asleep. Leave your pathways clear. You also need to consider the mobility of each person." The Superintendent also wants Aussies to be able to unlock their door easily in the dark, even when there is smoke. Heating can pose an even bigger threat than in a house because of the lack of space. "If people are using any type of heater and it's in close proximity to anything that will burn - bedding, clothes, lounges, then the risk is there," he said. When a charger is lost or misplaced, it's not always feasible to just pop into the local electronics store if you've pulled up somewhere remote. Sharing a charger with your neighbouring caravan mate might seem logical, but Supt Halverson said it's one of the biggest fire hazards. "Just because a charger will physically connect into the charging port doesn't necessarily mean that it is the correct charger," he said. "Having the correct battery charger is absolutely paramount." Anything that can be charged usually has a lithium-ion battery, and the country has seen an increase in 'toys, tools and devices' that contain these batteries, as well as catastrophic fires from when they overheat. By using the wrong chord, a device can get too hot - increasing the risk of danger to you and your caravan. If there was some smoke from a device in your van or a small fire that was extinguished - still play it safe. "Lithium ion batteries are very prone to re-ignition, and that re-ignition can be minutes, hours or even days later," he said. "It might have only shown some early signs, like unusual noises like hissing or crackling, unusual smell, any sort of a smoke cloud or vapor or any sign of overheating." The superintendent said even if a device seems to have gone 'back to normal' it should still be taken outside and discarded or be serviced. If you've just ridden your e-scooter or just used your drone, chances are the battery will still be hot. To avoid a fire hazard, allow time for it to cool down before charging. For other devices Aussies also need to be mindful of the location of where a device is charged. "Certainly not where they can ever get water ingress, indirect sunlight or in a really hot area," Supt Halverson said. It is also recommended to never charge on surfaces that are easily heated, such as on beds or lounges. Just because a mobile home is small doesn't mean it won't need a smoke alarm - it is still important people are aware of a fire quickly and exit early. But each state and territory has different laws about mandatory smoke alarms in caravans. Since July 2024 in Queensland, all caravans and motor homes that are newly registered or transferred to another person are required to have one photoelectric smoke alarm - though from July 2027, this will be the case for all registered caravans and motor homes in the Sunshine State. In Victoria, all moveable dwellings - including caravans - must have working smoke alarms also. Supt Halverson said wherever people are sleeping - registered or unregistered - he would recommend a smoke alarm. "That is the very best means of giving occupants the early warning of a fire," he said. Caravans and many mobile homes rely on an external power supply coming in, so it is always be aware not to overload it with multiple devices. "Piggybacking power points is certainly very risky, and it is strongly advised against," Supt Halverson said. It is also advised for to ensure anything connected to power should be regularly checked for damage. Your gas cooker should also be in good working order - so make sure this doesn't get overlooked. A fire blanket is effective at extinguishing a stove fire in a caravan or mobile home, just as it is in a home or office. A dry powder extinguisher is also effective to put out different types of fires. But, the conundrum is where to keep it in such a small space, Supt Halverson said. "Every caravan has a different layout, of course, but you obviously wouldn't want to put your fire blanket in some sort of a cupboard or storage immediately above a cooking area," he said. "If there's a fire there, you might not be able to access it without getting burnt. It needs to be nearby, but not directly above." "If there is a fire in your caravan overnight, make sure ... all evacuate outside safely together," Supt Halverson said. Once outside, call triple zero and wait for the fire service. "Under no circumstances ever go back inside a burning caravan, no matter what it is you think you might need to retrieve," he said. "It might seem to be a comparatively small and manageable fire, but if it's in a lithium-ion battery-powered device, it does have the possibility that it could actually escalate into a much larger fire in a very, very quick period of time."
The Australian
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Australian
Gold Coast Council bin warning after rubbish trucks catch fire
A major Australian city has put residents on notice after seven garbage trucks caught fire in less than a month. Gold Coast City Council said batteries in bins were to blame for the blazes, which broke out after rubbish was loaded into the truck and compacted. 'Batteries do NOT belong in your bin. When crushed, they can spark, explode and start dangerous fires,' the council said in a post to Facebook. Wild images of one blaze show a massive pile of flaming trash dumped in a car park, with firefighters drenching the mess in a bid to extinguish the fire. Another image shows a stack of batteries badly burned and melted together. The Gold Coast has seen seven bin fires in May alone. Picture: Facebook The local council has said batteries are to blame for the blazes, and urged residents to dispose of the common item properly. Picture: Facebook The fires result in entire loads of garbage having to be dumped on the road. Picture: Facebook The Council also shared an image of a large burn mark on a garbage truck, with the sticker on the side of the vehicle melting away. Queensland Fire Department Superintendent Mark Halverson told ABC even dead batteries posed a huge risk. 'Even if a battery appears to be flat, there's almost always some amount of energy that remains within it,' he said. 'When that energy becomes exposed, there's obviously a lot of other combustibles in the truck and plenty of oxygen, so a very good opportunity for a fire to commence.' The Queensland government has committed millions in funding to help address the growing issue. Picture: Facebook In February, the Queensland state government announced $2 million to fund a 'bin blaze ban', noting battery fires had more than doubled since 2020. The funding would help increase access to battery disposal collection points, reducing fire risks to protect workers and essential waste services and educate residents about the risks of incorrectly disposed of batteries. 'Battery fires have more than doubled over the past five years, an unacceptable upward trend that simply must end,' Environment Minister Andrew Powell said at the time. People looking to dispose of their batteries are encouraged to use a special drop off point, which can be located at Hannah Moore Chief of staff, NCA NewsWire Hannah Moore is NCA NewsWire's chief of staff. She was previously the morning news editor at When she's not reading or talking about the news, Hannah is looking for another coffee. @hannahrlmoore Hannah Moore
Courier-Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Courier-Mail
Gold Coast Council bin warning after rubbish trucks catch fire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Environment. Followed categories will be added to My News. A major Australian city has put residents on notice after seven garbage trucks caught fire in less than a month. Gold Coast City Council said batteries in bins were to blame for the blazes, which broke out after rubbish was loaded into the truck and compacted. 'Batteries do NOT belong in your bin. When crushed, they can spark, explode and start dangerous fires,' the council said in a post to Facebook. Wild images of one blaze show a massive pile of flaming trash dumped in a car park, with firefighters drenching the mess in a bid to extinguish the fire. Another image shows a stack of batteries badly burned and melted together. The Gold Coast has seen seven bin fires in May alone. Picture: Facebook The local council has said batteries are to blame for the blazes, and urged residents to dispose of the common item properly. Picture: Facebook The fires result in entire loads of garbage having to be dumped on the road. Picture: Facebook The Council also shared an image of a large burn mark on a garbage truck, with the sticker on the side of the vehicle melting away. Queensland Fire Department Superintendent Mark Halverson told ABC even dead batteries posed a huge risk. 'Even if a battery appears to be flat, there's almost always some amount of energy that remains within it,' he said. 'When that energy becomes exposed, there's obviously a lot of other combustibles in the truck and plenty of oxygen, so a very good opportunity for a fire to commence.' The Queensland government has committed millions in funding to help address the growing issue. Picture: Facebook In February, the Queensland state government announced $2 million to fund a 'bin blaze ban', noting battery fires had more than doubled since 2020. The funding would help increase access to battery disposal collection points, reducing fire risks to protect workers and essential waste services and educate residents about the risks of incorrectly disposed of batteries. 'Battery fires have more than doubled over the past five years, an unacceptable upward trend that simply must end,' Environment Minister Andrew Powell said at the time. People looking to dispose of their batteries are encouraged to use a special drop off point, which can be located at Originally published as City's rubbish trucks catch fire seven times in one month as residents warned
