Fire in the caravan: 73-year-old injured in fire due to battery defect

Fire in the caravan: 73-year-old injured in fire due to battery defect

In Nußdorf am Attersee, in the Vöcklabruck district, a 73-year-old caravan owner experienced a disturbing incident on August 12, 2025, around 12:15 p.m., when a fire broke out in the awning of her caravan. The reason? A defective battery light that turned out to be an unexpected source of fire and caused a lot of excitement. Tips ​​reports that the fire started in a plastic bucket on a metal shelf and quickly spread to the plastic tent tarpaulin.

Luckily, the woman's husband noticed the fire in time and alerted her. The 73-year-old was in the kitchen of the awning at the time. The fire was contained with the help of blankets and two fire extinguishers, while neighbors from the camping area rushed to assist. The fire department took over the remaining extinguishing work. Despite the quick reactions, the 73-year-old suffered injuries of an indeterminate degree and was taken to the Salzkammergut Klinikum Vöcklabruck after receiving first aid.

The dangers of batteries

The incident highlights the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which are omnipresent in our everyday lives - be it in cell phones, e-bikes or tools. As NDR explains, defective or damaged batteries can cause serious fires or even explosions. What is particularly alarming is the fact that around 30 fires break out every day in Germany at recycling centers and garbage dumps due to improperly disposed of batteries.

The causes of battery fires are varied: Mechanical damage, excessive heat or overcharging caused by unsuitable chargers can trigger a thermal chain reaction that can reach temperatures of over 600 degrees. In the event of a fire, toxic gases are also released. It is therefore advisable to take the signals of a defective battery seriously, which can manifest themselves, for example, in a shorter battery life or a bloated case.

Safe use of lithium-ion batteries

But how can you protect yourself from the dangers? Experts recommend safe storage and use of lithium-ion batteries. This includes only charging batteries with the associated devices, storing them on non-flammable materials at temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees and protecting them from direct sunlight. In addition, defective batteries should be removed immediately and not disposed of with household waste. Instead, returning them to recycling centers or disposing of them using mobile pollutant vehicles is the right way, as elektrofachkraft.de confirms.

In the event of a battery fire, safety is the top priority. Smaller fires can be smothered with water or a fire extinguisher, while larger fires should call the fire department immediately. After extinguishing, it is important to store the battery in a fireproof container to prevent re-ignition.

The incident in Nußdorf am Attersee clearly shows how important it is to be aware of the dangers of lithium-ion batteries and to take appropriate responsibility for them. This is the only way to minimize the risk of fires and ensure the safety of all of us.