A significant warehouse fire involving lithium battery products has prompted regulatory review and industry-wide self-assessment of dangerous goods storage practices.
Incident Overview
The incident involved:
- Large fulfilment centre storing consumer electronics
- Fire originated in lithium battery storage area
- Significant structural damage
- No serious injuries reported
- Extended response and remediation period
Regulatory Response
Immediate Actions
- WorkSafe investigations initiated
- EPA environmental assessment
- Fire authority operational reviews
- Industry bulletin issued
Pending Reviews
- Storage quantity thresholds
- Segregation requirements
- Fire suppression standards
- Training and awareness programs
Industry Self-Assessment
Warehouse operators are reviewing:
- Current dangerous goods inventories
- Storage locations and segregation
- Fire detection and suppression
- Emergency response procedures
- Staff training currency
Best Practice Recommendations
Industry bodies advising:
- Conduct immediate DG storage audits
- Verify segregation compliance
- Test emergency response plans
- Review insurance policy adequacy
- Engage specialist consultation where needed
The incident highlights growing risks from lithium battery proliferation in consumer goods and e-commerce fulfilment.