A motor vehicle in Nelson has been badly damaged after a fire caused by a bag of lithium batteries.
Apparently the driver was transporting the old watch-style batteries for recycling when they exploded.
When the fire department arrived at the local recycling centre by-standers had already tackled much of the blaze with dry chemical extinguishers.
The Fire Chief is warning the public that batteries can short-out with something as simple as paper clip and these items should be stored properly.