Two teens have been treated for smoke inhalation after a garage fire at Scone in the state's Hunter Valley.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Scone and Aberdeen rushed to Kookaburra Avenue just before 1.30 yesterday afternoon after numerous Triple Zero (000) calls about a large volume of smoke and flames from the property.
Extinguishing the flames
They believe the fire began in a camping swag, which contained spent batteries from a lamp
Two youths, aged 13 and 16, escaped the garage but inhaled smoke and were treated by firefighters, equipped with oxygen, at the scene. The fire crews quickly extinguished the flames, which had spread to the roof of the two car garage, and saved the home.
They believe the fire began in a camping swag, which contained spent batteries from a lamp, and a portable Bluetooth speaker. They're trying to determine whether Lithium-Ion batteries were to blame.
In any case, FRNSW urges the public to safely and properly dispose of batteries, particularly if they're Lithium-Ion cells.
Advice from FRNSW
FRNSW also advises the public to:
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after an 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 a device. Don’t use inferior or different voltage replacement components.
- Never charge devices while sleeping, away from the home or in places that could block escape.
- Not to 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.
- Charge in a clear non-combustible area near a smoke alarm.
- Note that any strong odors, extreme heat, color change, deformity or strange sounds could indicate a problem with a Lithium-ion battery.
