Fire at Perth Battery Recycling Plant Prompts Hazmat Alert

A fire at a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Maddington, Perth, on Sunday afternoon led to a hazardous materials warning, the transport of one man to hospital, and significant road and rail closures.

Emergency services advised residents to stay indoors as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Incident Overview

A fire broke out at a lithium-ion battery recycling facility on Burwash Place in Maddington, a suburb in Perth's south-eastern region. The facility was identified in one report as belonging to Li-ion Energy.

Timeline and Emergency Response

• The fire was first observed at approximately 1:45 PM. Multiple sources specify that officers from the Maddington Fire Station were the first to report it.
• Firefighting crews from multiple stations responded to the incident.
• Just before 3:00 PM, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued a HAZMAT emergency warning for potentially hazardous smoke in the area.
• DFES stated that fire crews were expected to remain on site into the evening.
• WA Police and St John Ambulance personnel were also present at the scene.

Injuries and Public Advisory

• St John Ambulance reported that one man was transported to Fiona Stanley Hospital, believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation.
• A second man received treatment at the scene.
• DFES advised people in the affected area to remain indoors, stay out of the smoke or fumes, keep doors and windows closed, and turn off air-conditioning systems.

Infrastructure and Transport Impact

• The fire produced a visible plume of smoke and flames.
• Due to the fire's proximity to the rail corridor, the Armadale train line was closed between Cannington and Gosnells stations.
• Albany Highway was closed to traffic between River Avenue and Stokely Creek Crossing.