There were 332 instances of fires and other incidents related to lithium-ion batteries in Fire and Rescue NSW in 2025 according to the NSW EPA in April 2026. As of early April 2026, there had been 62 battery fires in the community. 12 others had started in garbage trucks, waste facilities and tips. There were also 103 suspected fires in the waste industry involving batteries. Vapes also contain lithium-ion batteries which makes IGET Bar Pro vapes part of the story. So, where does the risk lie, and what protects a house from danger?
Battery In Every Gadget
An IGET Bar Pro vape is described as a high-capacity vape that has a capacity of 10,000 puffs. Like all other vapes, IGET Bar Pro vapes depend on a small lithium-ion battery for heating the vapour. These batteries pack a lot of energy in their size. They can be easily triggered to overheat through damage improper charging or being crushed. These devices do not go through independent safety tests since they operate outside legal limits.
Fire departments have consistently linked these battery fires to inappropriate charging and modification of devices. Charging any vape inappropriately or even leaving it unattended while charging can lead to increased fire risks. A fire occurring during the night will continue until someone realises it. Heat is also a factor in Australian summers whereby cars can be too hot inside. Placing any gadget on the dashboard of the car leaves the batteries in extremely hot conditions.
Garbage, Garbage Trucks, And The Risk Of Disposing Of It
These NSW battery fires are a result of batteries being crushed, damaged, or disposed of in household garbage. Batteries are subjected to compaction by garbage trucks which leads to fires endangering drivers and waste handlers. A fire from damaged lithium-ion batteries spreads much quicker and burns much hotter compared to regular fires. The “Never Bin a Battery” campaign encourages households to make use of free drop-off locations instead. The state of NSW is planning to implement mandatory battery stewardship programs from 1 October 2026.
Children, Pets And The Liquid Inside
A vape is potentially hazardous for children since it can become their toy. Children, attracted by the smell of sugar, colours, and the compact shape of the vape, may accidentally touch, swallow, play with the item and become poisoned or harmed. NSW Health recommends avoiding vaping around young children and storing the vape safely and disposing of it so that the child cannot access it. Pets, in particular dogs that have a habit of chewing everything they find, can get poisoned as well.
There are several easy tips that can prevent poisoning:
- Devices and liquids should be kept away from the children; up high and out of sight, preferably locked in a cabinet.
- The devices mustn’t be left on the bedside table, sofa, or car seat where children can access them.
- It’s better to keep your house and car vape-free, especially if there are young children.
- In case you suspect that the child has swallowed the vape liquid, contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26).
Properly Disposing Of The Device
Do not put the device into your kerbside garbage or recycling bins whatever packaging instructions say. There are several options for vape disposal; many councils provide vape drop-offs. However, services vary so the first step is checking with the local council. For NSW residents, EPA conducts a trial where they accept the embedded-battery products (including vapes) at participating community recycling centres.
Depending on the type of device, there are several ways of disposal:
- Removable batteries should be disposed of at B-cycle collection points or a national battery recycling scheme.
- Some pharmacies participating in the Return Unwanted Medicines program accept some parts of reusable vapes.
- Sealed devices must be disposed of or sealed since opening them can harm the battery and start a fire.
Owners of IGET Bar Pro vapes must dispose of them properly even before the device dies. Proper charging, storage, and disposal tips should be remembered rather than written on the box.
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