A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike has caused a fire in a unit at Lethbridge Park in Sydney's west earlier today.
Crews were called to the second-floor unit in Hawaii Avenue just before 3.00 am after reports of a blaze in the three-storey complex.
Upon arrival, 16 firefighters quickly got to work to contain the fire, which is believed to have started in the kitchen area of the premises where the lithium-ion battery was located.
Initial reports
It took crews approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, which severely damaged the unit
Initial reports suggested there was a person sleeping inside the unit, however, a search found no people in the property.
Other occupants in the complex self-evacuated. A dog was located under a bed and safely removed by firefighters. It took crews approximately 20 minutes to extinguish the fire, which severely damaged the unit.
The incident is a timely reminder for people to show extra caution around lithium-ion powered devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobile devices.
FRNSW’s tips
When buying, using or charging lithium-ion products, FRNSW advises the public to:
- 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 or different voltage replacement components.
- Never charge devices while you are sleeping or in places that could block the escape.
- Do not over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid over-heating.
- Try to charge micro-mobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters outside, away from the home and on a hard surface.
- Charge in a clear non-combustible area near a smoke alarm.
- Note that any strong odours, extreme heat, colour change, deformity or strange sounds could indicate a problem with a lithium-ion battery.
- Dispose of lithium-ion batteries properly, don’t throw them out with household garbage.