Smoke alarm saves resident from Lithium-Ion-powered vacuum cleaner fire - Swansea
Published: 12 Feb 2024 04:08pm
A working smoke alarm has saved a resident from harm during a fire, sparked by a cordless vacuum cleaner battery at Lake Macquarie.
The vacuum cleaner was charging inside a unit on the Old Pacific Highway, Swansea, around 1pm yesterday, when its Lithium-Ion battery burst into flames.
The flames then spread to a second vacuum cleaner, stored nearby.
The unit’s smoke alarm sounded, alerting the resident, who was cooking in the next room, and neighbours.
They quickly removed both vacuum cleaners and extinguished the fire with water.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Swansea, Belmont, Tingira Heights and Wallarah rushed to the scene where they ventilated the unit and immersed the battery in a bucket of water to prevent re-ignition.
Thanks to the smoke alarm, the apartment suffered only minor damage and no-one was injured.
FRNSW urges the public to remain vigilant around Lithium-Ion batteries especially when they’re charging.
Ensure your home is fitted with at least one working smoke alarm and maintain a home safety escape plan.
Further FRNSW advice regarding Lithium-Ion batteries can be found here: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389 [external link]
Updated: 12 Feb 2024 04:13pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
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
10 Lake Road, Swansea NSW 2281
26 Donnelly Road, Arcadia Vale NSW 2283
635 Pacific Highway, Belmont NSW 2280