Rosa Brook Bush Fire Service

09/09/2026

Lithium-ion batteries in the home:

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we rely on every day. Recent estimates suggest the average household has around 20 to 25 rechargeable devices, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, power tools, headphones, e-bikes, e-scooters, cordless vacuum cleaners, children’s toys, portable power banks and smart home products.

Are lithium-ion batteries safe?

Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used, charged and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However, if they are damaged, used incorrectly or charged unsafely, lithium-ion batteries can fail and cause fast-moving fires that release harmful gases. These fires can occur while a battery is charging or even when it is not in use.

Signs a lithium-ion battery may be unsafe:

Check devices regularly for signs of damage. Stop using a lithium-ion battery immediately if it:

· Feels unusually hot

· Looks swollen or out of shape

· Has been cut, crushed, punctured or damaged

· Smells strange

· Is leaking

· Is releasing smoke, fumes, vapour or gas.

If a battery starts to fail

A failing lithium-ion battery can become dangerous very quickly. If your device gets very hot, makes unusual noises or starts releasing smoke, vapour, gas or a strong smell, do not touch it. Evacuate immediately, close doors behind you if safe to do so, get out and stay out and call Triple Zero (000).

Lithium-ion battery fires can develop rapidly and may be intense and unpredictable. They can release toxic and flammable gases and eject burning material or battery components.

Store and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely:

Keep lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep them away from heat, direct sunlight and things that can catch fire. Good storage helps stop a battery fire spreading to other items in the home.

Store your batteries individually, away from other batteries. Do not store them in a pile.

Do not put old or damaged lithium-ion batteries in your household bin. Batteries in bins can start fires in rubbish trucks and waste facilities. Cover both ends of the battery with tape before taking old batteries to an approved recycling or drop-off point. Damaged batteries should be placed in a non-flammable container. Contact your local council for more information about local collection points or visit Australia’s B cycle battery recycling scheme .

Lithium-ion battery safety at home

To help keep your household safe:

Only buy batteries and devices from trusted sellers.
Always use the charger that came with the device or a genuine replacement recommended by the manufacturer. Do not use cheap, unknown or aftermarket chargers.

Only use replacement batteries made for your device.
· Charge devices on a hard surface that will not catch fire, such as stone, concrete or tiles.

· Avoid charging your devices when you’re asleep or away from home. If something goes wrong, you may need to act quickly to reduce the risk of fire.

· Keep batteries away from heat, direct sunlight and things that can catch fire.

· Regularly check your devices and chargers for signs of damage. Do not use or charge them if they are damaged, overheating, swollen, leaking, making unusual noises or releasing smoke, vapour or gas.

· Do not collect old or damaged batteries inside your home or garage while waiting for disposal.

· Dispose of old or damaged batteries at an approved recycling or collection point.

21/08/2026

TIME to think about how prepared you are for the fire season ahead!

Planning for your needs:

Preparedness starts with thinking about what you and your household rely on each day and how those needs could change during an emergency.
Consider:
- People who support you.
- Medications or medical equipment you use.
- How you get emergency information.
- Transport you may need.
- Pets, animals or livestock in your care.

A Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP) approach is one of the best ways to support inclusive preparedness. It focusses on your own strengths and recognises
that you know your own needs and support networks best. Find out more at https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/hazard-information/at-risk-communities home page

Supporting each other and helping others prepare
Preparing together can help everyone stay safer.
You can:
- Talk with family, friends, neighbours or people you support.
- Share emergency information and preparedness resources.
- Discuss how you will stay in touch during an emergency.
- Check if someone may need extra support to prepare.

Small conversations today can make a big difference during an emergency.

12/08/2026

Last weekend three members of the Rosa Brook Fire Brigade attended a two day course on ‘External Structural Firefighting’ in Margaret River. This course had both practical and theoretical components and was designed to help participants develop their skills in external, defensive firefighting situations.

This course was aimed at helping brigades in rural/urban areas and rural communities develop keys skills in responding to fixed and mobile property fires, as well as other non - vegetation fire events.

14/07/2026

Home fire safety matters - especially in the winter months!

Many house fires start from everyday activities and escalate quickly. Increasingly, fires are also linked to modern household products such as battery-powered devices and electrical items.

Simple actions, safe behaviours and choosing the right products can significantly reduce risk.

Electrical and battery safety at home
Modern homes rely on more electrical devices than ever before, including products powered by lithium-ion batteries such as power tools, e-scooters, power banks and mobility devices.

To reduce risk:
Avoid overloading power boards and outlets
Replace damaged cords or appliances
Only use chargers designed for your devices
Avoid charging devices overnight or when unattended
Do not use damaged or swollen batteries
Avoid mixing incompatible chargers and batteries
Be cautious when purchasing electrical products or batteries online, some may not meet Australian safety standards

Use heaters safely:
Heaters are a common cause of winter fires if not used correctly.
Keep heaters at least one metre away from furniture, bedding and clothing
Never dry clothes on heaters
Turn heaters off before leaving the house or going to bed
Check cords and plugs before use

Also take care with other winter items such as:
Electric blankets
Wheat bags
Portable or decorative heaters
Ensure these products are in good condition and used according to instructions.

Kitchen safety
Cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires.
· Never leave cooking unattended
· Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stove, like tea towels, paper and loose clothing
· Turn off appliances when finished

Plan to get out safely
If a fire starts, having a plan to get out can make all the difference.
Talk about your escape plan with everyone in your home
Have more than one way out of each room
Choose a safe place to meet outside
Get out straight away if there is a fire
Call 000 once you are outside
Do not go back inside a burning building for any reason

Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out safely if a fire starts

14/06/2026

EVEN in the wetter, colder months - its important to maintain fire awareness! In winter, that means we should be aware of flammable materials around candles and home fireplaces, as well as maintaining our smoke alarms -

A working smoke alarm will give you more time to escape safely by w...

28/05/2026

We are saddened this week to bid farewell to a great volunteer for our community, and our Brigade.

Len Calneggia was a long-term member of the brigade. He joined in 1998 and contributed an impressive 27 years of service to our local community. In recent years Len has been a highly active member of the brigade; regularly attending both training and incidents.

Len was a great friend to many long standing brigade members. For newer members; Len’s collegiality and genuine kindness made training a welcoming and inclusive experience.

Vale Len Calneggia, we will miss you at the Station, mate.

27/03/2026

As TC Narelle continues to track south, and the effects of her journey are starting to be felt in our patch, remember to stay up to date with any developments on -

https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

26/03/2026

ITS pretty clear there's something brewing! While we will be luckier than those in the North of our State, Narelle is still planning on packing a punch all the way down to us in the South West.

Consider making sure fencing and livestock are secure, and where possible tie down or secure anything that might be shifted or lifted in the strong winds.

Now's the time to check in with neighbours or friends and family who might need help storm proofing their farm or home.

As always, stay up to date on https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/emergencywa/prepare