***VISION ALERT*** Faulty e-bike battery thought responsible for house fire - Merrylands
Published: 28 Aug 2024 03:18pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators suspect a faulty Lithium-ion battery caused a major house fire yesterday at Merrylands, in Sydney’s west.
The blaze broke out in Murray Street, just before 2pm.
Six fire trucks and more than 24 firefighters battled the intense blaze for around 90-minutes, working desperately to stop flames spreading to neighbouring homes.
The fire caused extensive damage to the house. No-one was injured in the incident.
FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) has assessed the fire scene and examined a large stockpile of Lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes kept on site.
Fire investigators believe the property housed an e-bike spare parts business.
They believe a faulty battery went into ‘thermal runaway,’ a process whereby an overheated cell caused a chain reaction, causing the intense fire.
FRNSW is warning the public to use extra caution when dealing with Lithium-ion battery-powered devices, including micromobility products like e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
- Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging
- Don’t leave them constantly on charge
- If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
- Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
- Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
- Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
- Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home
For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392 [external link]
Media note – Fresh fire investigation images are attached to this release and updated FRNSW footage of the incident and investigation scene is available here: https://vimeo.com/1003472906/f57393b0ee [external link]
Updated: 28 Aug 2024 03:22pm
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
340 Merrylands Road, Merrylands NSW 2160
263 Guildford Road, Guildford NSW 2161
110-114 Wigram Street, Harris Park (Parramatta) NSW 2150