Quick-acting firefighters prevent e-scooter explosion and fire - VIDEO - Burwood
Published: 26 Oct 2023 06:37pm
A quick response from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews has prevented an e-scooter from exploding in flames today at Burwood, in Sydney's inner west.
A service technician was testing a faulty e-scooter inside a store on Burwood Road around 3.20pm when it caught fire and began giving off toxic gas.
The employee rushed the micro-mobility device outside the service centre business and rang Triple Zero (000).
When two fire crews from Burwood Fire Station arrived on scene moments later, they realised the Lithium-Ion batteries, powering the e-scooter, were about to explode in flames during a process known as 'thermal runaway.'
The firefighters immersed the over-heating e-scooter in a garbage bin of water, preventing an explosion and intense fire.
Lithium-Ion batteries, once in thermal runaway, can continue to build heat and re-ignite, even when initially extinguished.
The 25-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics while NSW Police diverted traffic away from the scene.
Upon analysis, firefighters ascertained the technician had been testing the e-scooter with an incompatible power pack, causing it to overheat.
Mix and matching chargers and components is one of the actions that Fire and Rescue NSW warns the public to avoid when dealing with Lithium-Ion batteries.
FRNSW also advises the public to:
- Be aware that lithium-ion batteries are prone to reignite after the 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 the 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..
- Have it checked by a professional
It was the second Lithium-Ion battery fire today in Sydney.
Earlier, a Lithium-Ion battery fire destroyed a two-storey home at Oyster Bay, in the city's south.
No-one was injured in the incident.
Additional safety advice about Lithium-Ion batteries is available on the FRNSW website - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries [external link]
Media note: Footage and grabs of FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, handling the e-scooter are available here: https://vimeo.com/878184869/4c179ba7ec?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 01 Nov 2023 09:46am
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
12b Livingstone Street, Burwood NSW 2134
16 Victoria Street, Ashfield NSW 2131
153 Concord Road, Concord (North Strathfield) NSW 2137