Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has determined a fire, which caused major damage to a volunteer organization's ambulance station in Sydney's inner west overnight, was sparked by a Lithium-ion battery in a buggy.
More than 30 firefighters and nine fire trucks were deployed just after midnight to Deane Street, Burwood, where flames had broken out in a car park on the ground level of the five-storey building.
The blaze severely damaged six ambulances, three support vehicles, trailers, and a buggy, while also impacting a nearby storage area, electrical wiring, and part of the structure.
FRNSW crews
They have remained at the scene to monitor for potential reignition and help ventilate the building
FRNSW crews battled for more than half an hour to extinguish the fire. They have remained at the scene to monitor for potential reignition and help ventilate the building, which was heavily affected by smoke.
Firefighters have also used gas detection equipment to confirm that toxic gases had cleared from the building, and assisted tenants to re-enter the premises.
Experts from FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) have attended the scene to investigate what sparked the fire.
Lithium-ion battery
They believe it may have started in an ambulance buggy, or medicab, which is commonly used to provide first aid and medical assistance at public events and sporting matches.
FIRU investigators suspect that a Lithium-ion battery within the vehicle ignited while it was being charged.
