Faulty Lithium-Ion e-bike battery causes explosion and fire

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have saved an inner-city unit from an explosion and fire, sparked by a faulty Lithium-Ion e-bike battery.

The FRNSW crew from Leichhardt was travelling near the city when it responded to a fire alarm In Yurong Street, Darlinghurst, around 11.20am.

Joined by a Rescue Pumper from the City of Sydney station, firefighters raced to the scene where smoke was issuing from a basement-level studio apartment

The building’s manager was attempting to douse the fire with a chemical powder extinguisher, whilst a neighbour, outside, was assisting with a garden hose.

Fire crews entered the unit and successfully attacked the blaze in the corner of a room with two lines of hose.

A 50-year-old man was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene.

Firefighters say the blaze was started by a Lithium-Ion e-bike battery that overheated and went into ‘thermal runaway’ whilst on charge.

The resulting explosion blew out a window in the apartment.

FRNSW reminds 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, replacement components
• Never charge devices while you are sleeping, away from the home or in places that could block your escape
• Not over-charge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid over-heating
• Try to charge micromobility 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.