Fire and Emergency says lithium-ion battery devices such as smartphones, laptops and vapes can be dangerous and should be dealt with carefully.
File photo. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
An Auckland home was recently set alight by the spontaneous combustion of a lithium-ion battery from a drill that was under a workbench.
The accident was one of 35 battery fires responded to in 2022 to date.
FENZ spokesperson Todd O'Donoghue said people should avoid charging lithium-ion devices on bedside tables or flammable surfaces.
"If one does catch on fire, it's really critical that everyone gets out of the building, if it's in a building, make sure we're called as soon as possible on 111, and don't go back into the building at all," he said.
"If you do see any smoke coming from them or see the battery starting to swell or anything, make sure you disconnect it and if it's safe to do so, take it outside."
O'Donoghue said batteries were best stored in proper insulated fire supression cabinets.
