Passer-by saves neighbour from e-scooter fire - Temora
Published: 06 Sep 2023 02:30pm
A passer-by has raised the alarm during a house fire, caused by a faulty Lithium-Ion battery, used to power an e-scooter, at Temora, in the state's Riverina.
The local Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew rushed to the Loftus Street home around 9am on Monday.
Moments earlier, the neighbourhood friend was driving past the house when he noticed the flames engulfing a storeroom on the property.
He stopped his vehicle and ran to the front door to warn his friend.
Together, they attacked the fire with garden hoses until the fire crew arrived.
The pair was among three people treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene.
The FRNSW crew confirmed the blaze was out and extinguished several spot fires.
As the firefighters cleared the storeroom, they discovered the cause of the fire, a faulty Lithium-Ion battery in one of two e-scooters.
“It appears the battery ignited spontaneously…it wasn’t being charged,” FRNSW Deputy Captain, Grant Reid, said.
“Had the fire broken out in the middle of the night, this could have ended tragically,” Deputy Captain Reid added.
Fire and Rescue NSW reminds the public to take extra precautions around Lithium-Ion batteries:
- Don’t over-charge batteries or leave them charging overnight unattended or whilst you're asleep
- Only purchase reputable Lithium battery-powered products
- Don’t charge batteries and devices on beds, sofas or around highly flammable and insulating materials
- Always use compliant and approved charging equipment for the device/s, don't mix and match unrelated components
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing the battery cells
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials. Larger devices such as e-bikes and gardening tools should be stored outside of bedrooms and living spaces
- Don’t charge or use batteries and devices that show signs of damage
Further advice about recycling and disposal of used batteries is available on the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/batteries [external link]
Updated: 06 Sep 2023 02:35pm
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TEMORA | Passer-by saves neighbour from e-scooter fire. A passer-by has raised the alarm during a house fire, caused by a faulty Lithium-Ion battery, used to power an e-scooter, at Temora, in the state's Riverina.
The local Fire and Rescue NSW...
02:25pm • Sep 06, 2023 - View tweet on Twitter
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]
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