FORRESTFIELD Academy operational training support instructor Ian Anderson has won the DFES operational staff individual achievement award for his work on the hazard and electric vehicle fire safety.

According to a spokesperson from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), lithium-ion batteries have become the fastest growing home fire risk in the state.

“The number of lithium-ion battery fires our firefighters are responding to has gone up every year for the past five years,” they said.

“So far this year, there have been 115 lithium-ion battery fires across the state, which is approximately three a week.

“Lithium-ion battery fires can spread particularly quickly and are difficult to extinguish.

“We are increasingly seeing that batteries don’t even need to be charging to catch fire if they are badly damaged or exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat for long periods of time.”

DFES advised charging batteries on a hard surface away from flammable items and remove your devices from chargers once fully charged.

“Charge eRideables outside the home if possible and don’t charge overnight,” they said.

“Install a smoke or heat alarm in areas where devices are often charged.

“Especially in the garage (as) garages are a common place where batteries are stored and where fires start.

“Always purchase reputable products and check them for damage regularly.”

Batteries are advised to never be put in household waste or recycling bins and to be disposed of if damaged or at the end of their use-life.

The number of lithium-ion battery-related fires has increased steadily in recent years.

In 2024, there were 178 incidents, up from 109 in 2023, 90 in 2022, 69 in 2021, and 49 in 2020.

The top three sources of ignition for these fires are batteries not on charge, typically found in storage or rubbish, followed by eRideables and faulty battery chargers.

Mr Anderson and other volunteers from the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Mid West Gascoyne regions were honored at the 2025 WA Fire and Emergency Services Awards gala dinner in Perth.

The awards, saw 45 finalists across the three categories of individual, team, and young people with 15 recipients of top prizes.

Mr Anderson was praised for his leadership in developing standard operating procedures for responding to lithium-ion battery incidents.

A statement released by DFES said his work on electric vehicle fire safety, particularly through Exercise Bright Spark, which provided world-first data on atmospheric contamination and runoff management, has established new benchmarks for lithium-ion hazard response.

They said his efforts have not only benefited DFES and his team but also contributed to broader community safety through his advocacy for education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicle charging systems.