Strata Community Association Queensland has renewed its call for urgent action by regulators to tackle lithium-ion battery fire hazards.  

The organisation says six people were reportedly killed last year in blazes caused by the batteries, and the number may be understated.  

“What we are seeing is a tragic and accelerating pattern that should alarm every Queenslander, particularly those living in strata communities,” association GM Laura Bos said.

“Lithium-ion battery fires are fast, ferocious and often fatal. In apartment buildings they do not just endanger one household, they can place entire communities at risk.”  

Ms Bos says the state strata management peak body has noted a rise in reports from managers and residents concerning unsafe charging practices, modified products and inappropriate storage of second-hand e-mobility devices such as bikes and scooters.  

She adds such devices pose a “shared safety concern” for everyone in strata buildings.  

“These deaths and life-altering injuries are not inevitable. Many are preventable with better public education, safer products, the use of manufacturer-approved chargers only, and clearer guidance around where e-scooters and e-bikes should be charged and stored.”  

The association has urged strata managers to educate residents about the dangers, and it supports calls from fire authorities for “faster regulatory responses”.