Charging e-bike catches alight - Toronto
Published: 13 Aug 2024 01:48pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is once again urging residents to ensure safe charging practices of lithium-ion battery powered devices following an e-bike fire near Newcastle yesterday.
The owner was charging the device on the rear verandah of a property in Milford Street, Toronto just after 1.00pm when he heard a series of explosions.
He ran outside and found the e-bike, which he had purchased second-hand only two weeks ago, well alight.
The owner quickly put the fire out with an extinguisher and a garden hose before FRNSW crews arrived on scene.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or structural damage to the property.
Lithium-ion battery fires are the fastest growing fire risk in NSW.
The e-bike fire is a timely reminder for residents to ensure safe charging practices are adhered to including:
- Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and power tools outside, away from living spaces and exits.
- Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-ion battery devices charging.
- Once a device has fully charged, disconnect it from the charger.
- Never leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around combustible materials.
Most importantly, a working smoke alarm should be installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged or stored.
Updated: 13 Aug 2024 01:53pm
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.
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
42 Mount Waring Road, Toronto NSW 2283
54 William Street, Teralba NSW 2284
26 Donnelly Road, Arcadia Vale NSW 2283