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Lithium Batteries Blamed For Dozens Of Fires In Bulawayo

2 weeks agoMon, 13 Jan 2025 10:32:58 GMT
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Lithium Batteries Blamed For Dozens Of Fires In Bulawayo

The adoption of solar energy and lithium batteries, often hailed as safe and environmentally friendly alternatives, has been linked to a rise in fire incidents in Bulawayo in 2024.

With rooftops across the eastern and western areas of Bulawayo increasingly covered in solar panels, many residents are turning to these alternative energy sources to cope with the country’s prolonged load-shedding.

However, this shift to solar and lithium battery-powered solutions has coincided with a disturbing surge in fire incidents in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.

In an interview with the Chronicle, Bulawayo Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo revealed that 32 fires in the city were caused by lithium batteries in 2024 alone.

The growing number of homes and businesses destroyed by fires from exploding lithium batteries has become a significant concern for the Fire Brigade. Said Moyo:

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The City of Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services is deeply concerned about the upsurge of property fires involving lithium solar batteries.

With the recent power outages and load shedding in the city, and the country in general, residents are resorting to installing solar systems, which are environmentally friendly.

In 2024, the Fire Brigade recorded an upsurge in property fires resulting in serious loss of property caused by exploding lithium-ion solar batteries.

The lithium-ion batteries are either overcharged or they overheat, leading to explosions. The explosions caused by the overcharged or overheating batteries’ ferocity and intense heat give the Fire Brigade serious challenges in extinguishing the fires.

In 2024, the Fire Brigade attended seven fire calls in the city’s central business district, five in the industrial area, and 20 in residential areas such as Suburbs, Hillside, Matsheumhlope, Manningdale, Mahatshula, and others.

The common factor in all 32 fire incidents was the explosion of lithium solar batteries, a phenomenon that Moyo attributed to overheating and overcharging. Said Moyo:

The most common causes of lithium batteries exploding are overheating and overcharging. When a lithium battery is overcharged, too much voltage causes it to overheat, leading to explosions and subsequently a breakout of fire.

Damaged batteries can also release flammable electrolytes, increasing the risk of a fire. Exposing the batteries to high temperatures can also lead to explosions.

Residents must ensure that lithium batteries are managed well when charging and that the changeover switch is working properly.

We also recommend frequent inspection of lithium batteries for signs of damage, as well as ensuring that the battery handling and storage areas are dry, cool, well-ventilated, and free from high levels of humidity,.

The Fire Brigade has urged residents to avoid purchasing lithium batteries and accessories from unverified companies and manufacturers.

They also recommended that residents install safety devices, such as alarms, to notify them when national grid electricity is restored. Said Moyo:

Understanding that lithium batteries pose a danger when installed incorrectly or not handled properly is important for residents to prevent fires in their homes.

For example, the fires in Suburbs, Matsheumhlope, and Pro-Dairy Products premises were all caused by explosions from the lithium solar batteries.

Zimbabwe is grappling with an electricity crisis caused by low water levels at Lake Kariba, which have significantly reduced the output of the Kariba Hydroelectric Power Station, a key source of electricity.

In addition, the Hwange Thermal Power Plant has been plagued by frequent breakdowns, further diminishing the country’s power generation capacity.

More: Pindula News

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17 Comments

Freedom Fighter · 2 weeks ago
l want to contribute in this way, "When installing solar panels its much better to use jel batteries, are much stronger than lithium batteries and the use of regulators, inverters but use them as specified by the manufacturer.
SolarTech 0783664338 · 2 weeks ago
if you buy lithium batteries , confirm if it have BMS . Those batteries that exploded are bypassed Actually Bypass batteries are cheaper and MBS are more expensive if you buy your bypass lithium battery , put an isolator between the inverter and battery also use hybrid Inverters since they have built-in MPPT (regulator) for all your solar system consultations call or app 0783664338
1
𝕮𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖉 𝕿𝖆𝖑𝖐 · 2 weeks ago
I don't believe that there are fake products but cheap products.
Simba · 2 weeks ago
Fake brands plus maInstaller aya mamwe haasi certified, imba ikatsva installer asina maPepa can/will be arrested. No two ways!
Mj · 2 weeks ago
Firstly why in Bulawayo only, we have solar system installed across the country even in Harare the capital city, it's either the installers or the batteries being sold inthat area,
Sir African · 2 weeks ago
98% of goods sold in Chinese shops are fake.Zimbabwe has become a dumping ground.
S. Class · 2 weeks ago
Even your phone
Patz · 2 weeks ago
What do you mean by fake. A fake is an immitation of a genuine something e.g fake USD, a fake Nokia cellphone, a fake Samsung Tv. A battery bearing its own distinct name not imitating another product's name cannot be said to be fake - its a product of poor quality.
Sir African · 2 weeks ago
You the Chinks(Chinese)sell you substandard goods.These days its very expensive to make good any damage to property.The Chinks would have made his money as you will brooding over your lose. We have Standard Association of Zimbabwe but just all institutions its compromised.The Chinks have filled our shops with exploding kettles to fire catching battries.
🍺 · 2 weeks ago
The Standards Association of Zimbabwe is just meant for show.In reality there are no standards in Zimbabwe.
Ediots · 2 weeks ago
fong kongs.
💀 · 2 weeks ago
zhing zhong
𝕮𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖎𝖉 𝕿𝖆𝖑𝖐 · 2 weeks ago
Things misbehave if misused, some of us don't read instructions when mounting the batteries
𝗕𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗷𝗻𝗿 399 · 2 weeks ago
Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 is rife with fake products that's why they explode
1
@@Vhedza · 2 weeks ago
Fake products only sold in Bulawayo??

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