Home destroyed in blaze suspected to have been caused by faulty Lithium battery-powered e-scooter - Merewether
Published: 26 Jul 2023 01:11pm
A Newcastle man has been forced to jump out a window to escape a fire, thought to have been started by a faulty Lithium battery-powered e-scooter.
The blaze broke out in the lounge room of a home in Macquarie Street, Merewether, just after 11pm last night, while the occupant was sleeping.
A smoke alarm activated and was overheard by a neighbour, who managed to wake the man just in time and allow him to escape outside.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) deployed 24 firefighters and six fire trucks to the scene, with crews forcing entry to the home and immediately attacking the flames.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the resident for smoke inhalation.
The fire was brought under control in less than half an hour and extinguished a short time later.
FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) is working to confirm whether an e-scooter left on charge caused the incident.
More information about safely charging, storing and disposing of lithium batteries, and related devices, is available on the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389 [external link]
Updated: 26 Jul 2023 01:15pm
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.
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
39 Llewellyn Street, Merewether NSW 2291
44 Union Street, Newcastle NSW 2300
49 - 51 Young Street, Carrington NSW 2294