Two people have been treated for burns and smoke inhalation after a lithium-ion battery from an e-skateboard exploded in a Roseville home overnight. Two Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) trucks and 8 firefighters responded to calls for assistance at 2:20 am in the morning.
A sleeping 26-year-old male woke to the sound of popping and crackling, finding the room full of smoke and the e-skateboard battery starting to flame. He and another occupant removed the device from the house, sustaining burns to their hands and suffering smoke inhalation in the process. Both were transported to the hospital for treatment.
Reminder from FRNSW
In the wake of multiple e-device incidents over the last week, FRNSW is reminding people to ensure safe practices are adhered to when charging lithium-ion batteries, including:
- Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools, away from living spaces and exits.
- Never sleep or leave home with lithium-ion battery devices charging.
- Once a device has recharged fully, disconnect it from the charger.
- Use a replacement battery or charger from the manufacturer and never ‘mix and match’ components.
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery devices.
- Never leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around combustible materials.
- Do not touch a device or lithium-ion battery that is emitting vapour or gas, or is on fire. Immediately evacuate the area and call Triple Zero (000).
Most importantly, a working smoke alarm should be installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged or stored.
