Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a hotel fire early this morning at Burwood in Sydney’s inner west, leaving one accommodation room totally destroyed.
The blaze broke out at 5.45 am on the second floor within the hotel on the corner of Paramatta Road and Burwood Road.
FRNSW crews
More than 35 firefighters and eight fire trucks responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls to flames and smoke issuing from the property.
Upon arrival, FRNSW crews observed heavy smoke issuing from the second level of the two-storey building, with firefighters entering the property to determine the location of the fire. They quickly worked their way to the second level, where they found the front room of the building fully engulfed in flames.
Multiple vape batteries
Firefighters also searched the building following initial reports of one person
Crews managed to contain and extinguished the fire in approximately 20 minutes. Firefighters also searched the building following initial reports of one person unaccounted for. It was subsequently confirmed that the occupant had left for work earlier that morning.
The hotel’s alarm system alerted occupants to the fire, and firefighters safely evacuated 20 people from the premises. There were no reported injuries. Investigations are now underway to determine whether lithium-ion batteries were the cause of the fire, as multiple vape batteries were on charge in the accommodation room.
FRNSW urges extreme caution
FRNSW urges extreme caution when charging lithium-ion batteries:
- Never sleep or leave home with the lithium-ion battery-powered devices charging
- Don’t overload power boards or leave them constantly on charge
- 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
- Contact the local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas, or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable lithium-ion battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in the home/garage
- Ensure they have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
