In a significant step forward in fire safety, the Booral Rural Fire Service has invested in Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Blankets, thanks to a $3,000 donation from Stratford Coal.
With Lithium-Ion batteries now very common in households across the region, and more and more electric vehicles on the road, the Booral Rural Fire Service recognised the immediate need to purchase the necessary fire equipment that can suppress and extinguish Lithium-Ion battery fires.
The funding purchased two medium sized Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Blankets (1.8m x 1.2m) that would extinguish smaller fires such as a mobile phone, laptop, power tools or e-scooter/e-bike.
Additionally, the fire service bought a large Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Blanket (6m x 8m) that can suppress an electric or hybrid car fire.
The blankets are stored on each of the fire trucks so they are easily accessible should the worst happen.
Kathryn Massey, Deputy Captain at Booral Rural Fire Service was excited with the new premium fire equipment.
“With the increase in the use of Lithium-Ion batteries in the community, also comes the increase in fires when these devices fail. These fires are intense, violent and release toxic and explosive gases that can cause serious harm and damage to people, properties and the environment.
“The new Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Blankets will enable our volunteer fire fighters to suppress and extinguish Lithium-Ion battery fires in a safer and more timely manner, reducing the damage that can be caused by these fires to our fire fighters, members of the community and community assets.
“The blankets will also reduce the harmful gases released into the environment that are caused by Lithium-Ion battery fires.
“We are a rural fire station that prides itself on protecting, supporting and educating our local and wider community and with this new fire equipment, we are better prepared when the community needs us most.
“This specialty firefighting equipment will be the first for our area in the Mid Coast region and we are pleased we are better prepared to effectively manage the complexities of Lithium-Ion battery fires.
“Thank you to Stratford Coal for the funding and their continued support,” said Kathryn.
Booral Rural Fire Service has a long history in the community and brings together residents to protect the lives and property of their neighbours and community. The volunteer firefighters undertake numerous training sessions to enhance community safety, including responding to fires, assisting at emergencies, and teaching the community about fire preparation and prevention.
Stratford Coal Operations Manager, John Cullen acknowledged the importance of this initiative.
“In the community we are seeing a rise in the popularity of devices that contain Lithium-Ion batteries, and therefore it is vital that our fire fighters have the required equipment to fight these fires should they occur.
“We are pleased our funding could purchase the Lithium-Ion Fire Blankets and happy to continue supporting the ongoing hard work and effort that Booral Rural Fire Service provides to our community,” said John.
Image caption: Captain David Waters, Alan Walker, Senior Deputy Captain Steven Tonitto, Deputy Captain Kathryn Massey.
