Family escapes fire caused by eScooter - Liverpool
Published: 03 Feb 2023 02:28pm
Just before midnight last night, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) were called to a fire in an apartment in a five storey complex located on Hoxton Park Road in Liverpool.
A family of two adults and a baby were able to evacuate the unit as it became filled with smoke. By shutting the door as they left the apartment, they prevented toxic smoke from the fire spreading throughout the complex.
When firefighters arrived, they entered the unit where they located an eScooter that had caught fire but was now smouldering having produced large quantities of toxic smoke.
Around 15 people evacuated the building after the fire alarm went off, while other occupants were permitted to remain safely inside.
Firefighters removed the eScooter into an area outside of the apartment where it was cooled and monitored by firefighters.
The family was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics but were not transported.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said this situation could have been a lot worse. Thankfully the occupants were alerted to the fire early on and evacuated the unit that was filled with toxic smoke.
"We are seeing a number of fires that are being caused by lithium ion, battery powered equipment such as ebikes and escooters. You need to take sensible precautions including purchasing reputable brands from proven retailers, always buying equipment that meets Australian Standards and always using and charging in accordance with the manufacturer's specification."
"Make sure you have a working smoke alarm which will provide you with an early warning of a fire so that you can get up, get out and call Triple Zero (000)."
Updated: 03 Feb 2023 02:33pm
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.
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
Anzac Road corner Delfin Drive, Moorebank NSW 2170
101 Cartwright Avenue, Busby NSW 2168
100 St Johns Rd, Cabramatta NSW 2166