Teens treated for smoke inhalation after garage fire - Scone
Published: 09 Nov 2023 11:37am
Two teens have been treated for smoke inhalation after a garage fire at Scone in the state's Hunter Valley.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Scone and Aberdeen rushed to Kookaburra Avenue just before 1.30 yesterday afternoon after numerous Triple Zero (000) calls about a large volume of smoke and flames from the property.
Two youths, aged 13 and 16, escaped the garage but inhaled smoke and were treated by firefighters, equipped with oxygen, at the scene.
The fire crews quickly extinguished the flames, which had spread to the roof of the two car garage, and saved the home.
They believe the fire began in a camping swag, which contained spent batteries from a lamp, and a portable bluetooth speaker.
They're trying to determine whether Lithium-Ion batteries were to blame.
In any case, FRNSW urges the public to safely and properly dispose of batteries, particularly if they're Lithium-Ion cells.
Visit the FRNSW website for more information: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries [external link]
FRNSW also advises the public to:
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after an 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 a device…don’t use inferior or different voltage replacement components
- Never charge devices while you are sleeping, away from the home or in places that could block your escape
- Not to over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid over-heating
- Try to charge micro-mobility 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.
Updated: 09 Nov 2023 11:41am
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
106 Kingdon Street, Scone NSW 2337
20 Moray St, Aberdeen NSW 2336
27-31 Market Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333