Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding the public not to charge Lithium-ion-powered devices, such as e-bikes, near emergency exits, following a second-storey unit fire yesterday at Merrylands West in Sydney.
FRNSW releases dramatic footage from a camera worn by the Incident Commander in charge of the fire scene in Arcadia Street.
Lithium-ion-powered devices
The footage shows the first senior officer on scene, Station Officer Darryn Moalem from Wentworthville Fire Station, assigning firefighters crucial tasks and managing the rescue of three people and a dog from the burning building just after 11.15 am.
Firefighters used ladders and an aerial appliance to rescue a woman from her unit
Firefighters used ladders and an aerial appliance to rescue a woman from her unit, where an e-bike caught fire, blocking the front door and preventing her initial escape.
Fortunately, a working smoke alarm activated. When the woman opened her door to investigate, she saw the e-bike that had been charging in a loungeroom, near the front door, on fire.
Working smoke alarm
Unable to reach the exit, she retreated to her bedroom where she was spotted by firefighters. The aerial appliance raised the first responders to the second floor window, where they guided the resident and her dog to safety.
The firefighters also plucked a man and a woman from the balcony of another fire-affected unit above, on the top floor of the three-storey building. The incident has prompted FRNSW to remind the public not to leave e-bikes and other Lithium-Ion battery-powered devices on charge near emergency exits.
Explosive gas expelled
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, said, "Time after time, we see situations where occupants find themselves trapped by fire, caused by faulty Lithium-Ion battery fires. Residents can’t escape, leaving them exposed to toxic and explosive gas expelled by the batteries and the intense fires that generally follow."
He adds, "These types of blazes are often more intense than regular fires due to the energy stored in the batteries and they burn faster. That means more danger to anyone trapped by the blaze which can take hold before fire crews can get there."
Jeremy Fewtrell continues, "Please charge e-bikes and other devices away from escape points and try to keep an eye on them in case of trouble. Don’t charge them while you’re sleeping or away from home, and ensure you have a working smoke alarm. That’s what’s saved the day in this case."
Highly flammable materials
FRNSW also recommends:
- Never charge in exits or anywhere that would prevent users from escaping in the event of a fire
- 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 centre for disposal advice
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Ensure users have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
