A lithium-ion battery left on charge is believed to be the cause of a unit fire in Camperdown overnight.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) initially responded to an automatic fire alarm in a multi-storey unit complex on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Lyons Road around 2.40 am.
The first arriving crews reported large volumes of thick black smoke coming from the building. Ten trucks and approximately 40 firefighters quickly got to work, attacking the fire on the second level of the complex.
All Residents Rescued Safely
One unit was destroyed in the blaze, whilst the remaining residents have since been allowed to return to their homes
There were unconfirmed reports of people trapped, however, firefighters quickly searched the building to ensure all residents were out safely and accounted for.
More than 50 people were evacuated, and one person, in the unit above where the fire started, was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics but not transported to hospital.
One unit was destroyed in the blaze, whilst the remaining residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.
Cause of Fire Determined
Fire investigators have determined the fire started when a lithium-ion battery, believed to belong to a power tool or similar device, was charging on a lounge and caught alight.
When charging lithium-ion battery devices, FRNSW recommends:
- Install active smoke alarms in the home/garage
- Always buy reputable lithium-ion battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Don’t leave devices charging in bedrooms or on beds, sofas, or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing, or piercing battery cells
- If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Batteries shouldn't be thrown in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact the local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Ensure having a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
