Lithium-fuelled fire sparks hazardous air warning for Perth suburbs

Batteries in Maddington’s workshop fueled the flames as the co-owner was rushed to hospital and residents were warned to stay indoors.

Flames filled workshops at Li-ion Energy as thick toxic smoke spiraled into the air at around 1.30pm today, prompting a hazard warning for parts of Perth.

“We had a number of lithium batteries ready for export, we don’t think the fire was caused by the batteries,” said founder Justin Manton.

“It was something that set the crates around the batteries on fire. It just spread really quickly.”

The owners were inside when the fire broke out in one of the adjacent work areas.

“[It’s] over $7 million in lost property, and then there’s a building,” Manton said.

Burwash Place in Maddington was closed as firefighters went to work.

“We know we are dealing with approximately 80 tonnes of solid-state batteries,” said Chief Inspector Leigh Bishop of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA.

Just last year, the owners spoke to 9News warning of the dangers of battery fires, never imagining they would have to deal with them on this devastating scale.

“Yes, it’s quite shocking. One of the things we try to avoid the most is fires and for this to happen here is disappointing and a bit tragic,” Manton said.

Late this afternoon, crews appeared to gain the upper hand, but they would remain on scene into the night.

The collapsed roof and walls of a workshop, along with twisted and smoking metal, were signs of the damage.

“It’s going to be hard, it’s going to be quite difficult to overcome this,” Manton said.

Local residents had to stay indoors because of the dangerous smoke.

The exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

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