Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have saved an inner-city unit from an explosion and fire, sparked by a faulty Lithium-Ion e-bike battery.
The FRNSW crew from Leichhardt was traveling near the city when it responded to a fire alarm In Yurong Street, Darlinghurst, around 11.20 am.
Firefighters raced to the scene
Joined by a Rescue Pumper from the City of Sydney station, firefighters raced to the scene, where smoke was issuing from a basement-level studio apartment
The building's manager was attempting to douse the fire with a chemical powder extinguisher, while a neighbor, outside, was assisting with a garden hose.
NSW Ambulance paramedics
Fire crews entered the unit and successfully attacked the blaze in the corner of a room with two lines of hose
Fire crews entered the unit and successfully attacked the blaze in the corner of a room with two lines of hose. A 50-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
Firefighters say the blaze was started by a Lithium-Ion e-bike battery that overheated and went into 'thermal runaway' while on charge. The resulting explosion blew out a window in the apartment.
FRNSW reminds the public
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after the initial fire has been extinguished.
- Buy Lithium-Ion products and batteries from reputable suppliers that meet Australian standards.
- Only use cords and chargers supplied with the device. Don’t use inferior, replacement components.
- Never charge devices while they are sleeping, away from the home or in places that could block the escape.
- Not over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid overheating.
- Try to charge micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters outside, away from the home.
- Charge in a clear non-combustible area near a smoke alarm.
- Note that any strong odours, extreme heat, color change, deformity or strange sounds could indicate a problem with a Lithium-ion battery. Have it checked by a professional.