Thursday, 16 April 2026

Li-ion Energy: Toxic smoke alert reissued for areas around Maddington lithium battery recycling facility

 Li-ion Energy: Toxic smoke alert reissued for areas around Maddington lithium battery recycling facility | PerthNow

🔥 What happened

  • A lithium battery recycling facility (Li-ion Energy) in Maddington caught fire on Sunday, sending toxic smoke into surrounding suburbs.

  • The initial warning was issued Sunday afternoon, downgraded later that night, and lifted Monday morning.

⚠️ Why the alert was reissued

  • At 11:27am Wednesday, authorities reissued the toxic smoke alert after flare‑ups occurred.

  • Residual heat inside damaged lithium batteries caused renewed smoke, even though the main fire was out.

🏠 Areas affected

  • Smoke was blowing north‑east, affecting the area bounded by:

    • Kelvin Road

    • Westfield Street

    • Pitchford Avenue

    • Attfield Street

Residents in this zone were advised to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid exposure.

🚒 Emergency services update

  • By 1:30pm Wednesday, DFES confirmed no active fire, only smoke from battery flare‑ups.

  • Fire crews remained on site to manage hotspots.

👥 Injuries

  • A man in his 40s was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital for smoke inhalation on Sunday.

  • Another man was treated at the scene.

🏭 About the facility

  • Li-ion Energy is located near Albany Highway and Burwash Place in Gosnells.

  • The facility recycles and reconditions lithium batteries, which can reignite due to trapped heat.