Lithium-ion battery in buggy causes major damage to volunteer organisation's ambulance station - VIDEO - Burwood
Published: 15 Sep 2023 02:31pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has determined a fire, which caused major damage to a volunteer organisation's ambulance station in Sydney's inner west overnight, was sparked by a Lithium-ion battery in a buggy.
More than 30 firefighters and nine fire trucks were deployed just after midnight to Deane Street, Burwood, where flames had broken out in a car park on the ground level of the five-storey building.
The blaze severely damaged six ambulances, three support vehicles, trailers and a buggy, while also impacting a nearby storage area, electrical wiring and part of the structure.
FRNSW crews battled for more than half an hour to extinguish the fire.
They have remained at the scene to monitor for potential reignition and help ventilate the building which was heavily affected by smoke.
Firefighters have also used gas detection equipment to confirm that toxic gases had cleared from the building, and assisted tenants to re-enter the premises.
Experts from FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) today have attended the scene to investigate what sparked the fire.
They believe it may have started in an ambulance buggy, or medicab, which is commonly used to provide first aid and medical assistance at public events and sporting matches.
FIRU investigators suspect that a Lithium-ion battery within the vehicle ignited while it was being charged.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional photos from the Burwood scene can be accessed via the FRNSW website. Video footage is available for download - https://vimeo.com/864669597/95c191cbd0 [external link]
Updated: 15 Sep 2023 02:35pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
If you do your bit to minimise the risks in your home, we can all stay safer together.
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.
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