Maddington braces as hazmat alert issued after lithium battery recycling fire
A hazmat warning has been issued for parts of Maddington after a fire at a lithium battery recycling facility sent potentially toxic smoke into the area.
Emergency services were called to the industrial premises near the intersection of Albany Highway and Burwash Place after smoke was reported billowing from the building around 1.40pm.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has warned residents in the area bounded by Dalziell Street, Morley Street, Aldington Street, Miller Street and Albany Highway to stay inside. “There is a direct threat to the community,” the DFES warning said.
It continued: “There is a fire in a recycling facility resulting in potentially dangerous smoke blowing in an easterly direction.”
As a precaution, DFES said people should “remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed.” Air conditioners are also to be switched off, and people are urged to stay away from the area. “If you are already in the area take advice from emergency services personnel,” the warning added. People with medical concerns were told to contact their local doctor or call Health Direct.
And while the focus right now is clearly on public safety, the timing is still rattling locals. A fire in a recycling facility is one thing — but the DFES wording about a “direct threat” and smoke moving in an easterly direction is what’s raising alarms.
The facility where the blaze broke out is Li-ion Energy, which recycles and reconditions lithium-batteries. Firefighters were the first to spot the fire, which was near their Maddington base.
St John WA says one man in his 40s was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for smoke inhalation, while another man was treated at the scene. Police are also on site.
Motorists have been asked to avoid the area. Albany Highway is closed between River Avenue and Stokely Creek Crossing, and The Crescent is closed between Morley Street and Albany Highway.