Working smoke alarm saves family from e-bike fire - Guildford
Published: 27 Jul 2023 11:51am
A smoke alarm has saved three men from an e-bike fire in their home at Guildford, in Sydney's west, this morning.
When the alarm activated at 7am, a man, aged in his 30's, woke to find his bike on fire whilst it was charging in his bedroom at the Eve Street address.
It appears the bike's Lithium battery pack overheated, caught fire and burst open, spreading flames to nearby clothing and a bed.
The man, his brother and their father managed to escape the weatherboard home.
They attacked the fire with a garden hose outside as a Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew arrived.
Two firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, removed the e-bike and burning batteries from the home and doused the flames.
The man, woken by the smoke alarm, and his elderly father have been taken to hospital for assessment for smoke inhalation.
FRNSW Station Officer, Shawn Richardson, from Guildford Fire Station, said the working smoke alarm has saved the day.
"These residents are very lucky," Station Officer Richardson said, "Although the smoke was light in this case, it was very toxic.
"Fortunately, one of the men was woken by the alarm and they all got out safely.
"We urge everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed in their homes and to test them regularly.
"If people are uncertain about their alarms, they can book a home safety visit through the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9316 and our crews will inspect their property and install a smoke alarm [external link], free of charge, if necessary.
"In regards to Lithium batteries, never charge them while you're sleeping or when you're not at home; only purchase reputable brands; don't mix and match components and try to charge devices outdoors if possible."
Media: FRNSW footage of the fire scene is available at: https://vimeo.com/848929114/fa94028e31?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 27 Jul 2023 11:55am
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.
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
263 Guildford Road, Guildford NSW 2161
340 Merrylands Road, Merrylands NSW 2160
198 Fairfield Road, Yennora NSW 2161