A Man Who Lost His Home in a Battery Fire Builds a Fireproof Charging Station

By Anna Cox, Paul Cook, Peter Barr, and Samantha Goerling

One year after his home was destroyed by a lithium battery fire, Rodney Mulder is rebuilding his life — and taking steps to ensure the tragedy never happens again. His new home will be equipped with a fireproof charging station, a personal solution to a growing public safety issue.

On August 31 of last year, Mr. Mulder left his laptop charging on a shelf near the couch before going to bed. When he woke up at 1 a.m., his children’s bedrooms were engulfed in flames. Fortunately, his wife and children were away that night, and he escaped with his life.

The fire was traced back to the lithium battery in his laptop, a device that is increasingly being linked to house fires. Mr. Mulder’s experience is not unique. Fire investigators say it’s becoming increasingly difficult to determine whether a lithium battery caused a fire or was damaged by it, highlighting a growing challenge for emergency responders and insurers alike.

The Mulder family faced another setback when an administrative error nearly caused them to lose their insurance claim. After months of disputes, they finally settled with the insurer, RAC, and are now rebuilding their home with a fireproof charging station built from fiber concrete — a material designed to resist flames and heat.

Mr. Mulder has also implemented new safety rules in his home. He will only charge devices during daylight hours and when someone is present, a measure designed to minimize the risk of unattended fires.

Fire investigators and emergency services have both raised concerns about the increasing frequency of lithium battery fires. In Western Australia alone, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has recorded 113 lithium battery fires this year — nine of which occurred in the past 12 days alone.

DFES acting superintendent Mark Feast said that lithium batteries pose a unique challenge for firefighters. When a battery enters thermal runaway, it can project cells and materials throughout a room, creating multiple ignition points and rapidly spreading the fire.

Firefighters have also warned that fires can occur even with batteries that are not being charged, emphasizing the need for safe storage. Cameron Famlonga, a district officer with DFES, said that storing batteries in metal boxes can help reduce the risk of accidental fires.

Michael Bobrowicz, CEO of the Waste and Recycling Industry of Western Australia, said that the issue is not just a matter of home safety. He described the increasing number of fires in waste trucks and depots as an “epidemic.” He called for manufacturers to take more responsibility for battery disposal, suggesting a policy shift known as “extended producer responsibility” to ensure that producers, not consumers, handle the full lifecycle of their products.

For now, fire investigators like Belinda Jane Jones urge consumers to be cautious. She recommends keeping charging devices in sight, using only the original charging cables, and avoiding cheap power banks or damaged batteries. Retailers like Bunnings, Woolworths, and Officeworks also offer convenient drop-off points for safe battery disposal.

Mr. Mulder’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by lithium batteries — and the need for both individual and systemic changes to prevent future tragedies.