Faulty Lithium-Ion e-bike battery causes explosion and fire - Darlinghurst
Published: 16 Oct 2023 02:42pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have saved an inner-city unit from an explosion and fire, sparked by a faulty Lithium-Ion e-bike battery.
The FRNSW crew from Leichhardt was travelling near the city when it responded to a fire alarm In Yurong Street, Darlinghurst, around 11.20am.
Joined by a Rescue Pumper from the City of Sydney station, firefighters raced to the scene where smoke was issuing from a basement-level studio apartment
The building's manager was attempting to douse the fire with a chemical powder extinguisher, whilst a neighbour, outside, was assisting with a garden hose.
Fire crews entered the unit and successfully attacked the blaze in the corner of a room with two lines of hose.
A 50-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.
Firefighters say the blaze was started by a Lithium-Ion e-bike battery that overheated and went into 'thermal runaway' whilst on charge.
The resulting explosion blew out a window in the apartment.
FRNSW reminds the public to:
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after the initial fire has been extinguished
- Buy Lithium-Ion products and batteries from reputable suppliers that meet Australian standards
- Only use cords and chargers supplied with the device…don’t use inferior, replacement components
- Never charge devices while you are sleeping, away from the home or in places that could block your escape
- Not over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid over-heating
- Try to charge micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters outside, away from the home
- Charge in a clear non-combustible area near a smoke alarm.
- Note that any strong odours, extreme heat, colour change, deformity or strange sounds could indicate a problem with a Lithium-ion battery. Have it checked by a professional.
For more information: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/chargesafe [external link]
Media note: FRNSW footage of the incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/874651697/1e1a742acd [external link] It contains the voice of Leichhardt 022 Station Officer, Steve Croft.
Updated: 16 Oct 2023 02:46pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
Stations nearby
100-102 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
211-217 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
2 Forth Street, Woollahra NSW 2025