Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators suspect a faulty lithium-ion battery caused an intense garage and house fire at Woronora, in Sydney’s south.
Firefighters were called to the home on Prices Circuit, just before 3.00 am. On arrival, they found the garage of the home fully engulfed by fire, with flames starting to threaten the main residence.
Residence and neighboring homes
Three fire trucks and 12 firefighters battled the blaze for around 90-minutes, successfully preventing the flames spreading to the main residence and neighboring homes.
Five people self-evacuated form the fire; however, three were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation, with one also suffering serious burns to their lower limbs.
FRNSW investigators
FRNSW investigators believe that the battery of a charging e-scooter failed
After initial inspections, FRNSW investigators believe that the battery of a charging e-scooter failed, causing it to go into ‘thermal runaway,’ sparking the blaze.
FRNSW has responded to 81 micromobility incidents this year, which is an average rate of two per week.
Fire and Rescue NSW
Fire and Rescue NSW advises the owners of micromobility devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards to adhere to safe charging practices, including:
- 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
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact the local, approved recycling center for disposal advice
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Ensure they have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
