e-bike explodes in flames, spreads to home - VIDEO - Eastgardens
Published: 20 Mar 2023 10:03am
An e-bike has exploded in flames, which have spread through the garage and ground floor of a home at Eastgardens, in Sydney's east.
Fourteen Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) trucks attended the fire which broke out around 8pm last night in Mathewson Street.
All residents made it safely out of the home, including a woman who jumped from a second-storey balcony.
No-one was injured.
Fire investigators believe a faulty lithium-ion battery on the bike exploded, causing the fire, which has badly damaged the home and destroyed a vehicle in the garage.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) firefighters have removed several other lithium-ion batteries from the scene, concerned they've been compromised by fire and are at risk of igniting and/or exploding.
The e-bike battery has been secured and immersed in water by firefighters to prevent re-ignition.
A fire crew remained at the scene overnight to prevent the battery's re-ignition.
FRNSW warns that faulty or over-charged Lithium-ion batteries pose a serious safety risk.
They can off-gas and explode, causing intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish and are at risk of re-igniting.
FRNSW advises the public to always stick to reputable and compatible lithium-ion battery brands,
Avoid over-charging and charging devices whilst you're asleep or away from home.
Working smoke alarms and home escape plans save lives during fires.
For further information about the danger of lithium-ion batteries, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389 [external link]
Media note: FRNSW video of the e-bike battery containment is available here: https://vimeo.com/809576756/6eb6080f03 [external link]
Updated: 21 Mar 2023 09:18am
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]