Warning as tablet battery explodes in direct sunlight, causing fire in car

A car fire in Mount Maunganui caused by a tablet left on a blanket and exposed to direct sunlight has prompted a warning from Fire and Emergency about using and storing devices with lithium-ion batteries safely.

In a post to social media today, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said a crew from Mount Maunganui were called to a car fire earlier this month.

"The crew found the cause of this fire was an iPad left in the parked car and exposed to direct sunlight," it said.

The agency said the device was sitting on a blanket, which caught alight when the battery exploded, causing the fire.

"When lithium-ion battery powered devices are exposed to sunlight, they heat up and can cause fires like this one.

"Never leave your devices or batteries in direct sunlight, or where they can be exposed to heat or moisture," FENZ said.

"Thankfully nobody was hurt in this fire, however we have attended calls where that hasn't been the case. Please use your devices safely."

Apple directed 1News to its website, where it said its devices were designed to perform well in "a wide range of ambient temperatures, with 16C to 22C as the ideal comfort zone".

"It's especially important to avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures higher than 35C, which can permanently damage battery capacity... Charging the device in high ambient temperatures can damage it further," it said.

Apple said "even storing a battery in a hot environment can damage it irreversibly".

The electronics company said certain styles of case may also generate excess heat while charging, which can affect battery capacity.

"IIf you notice that your device gets hot when you charge it, take it out of its case first."

FENZ also has advice about using lithium-ion batteries safely on its website.