A fire in Canley Heights, Sydney’s south-west, has led to the complete destruction of one home and caused damage to neighbouring properties. The incident, which took place around 6pm yesterday, is believed to have originated from an e-bike battery, a growing concern given the rise of similar fires.
Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Greg Easy noted that the flames rapidly spread, resulting in three homes being affected simultaneously. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as all residents managed to escape. Today, the affected family began to sift through the ruins, attempting to salvage what little they could.
One neighbour, Eddie Lee, was not home at the time of the fire but was informed by friends. Upon returning, he discovered significant damage to the side of his house and the awning. Initially, he had been told that only minor damage, such as to his backyard or fence, had occurred, leading to his surprise at the extent of the destruction.
It took a concerted effort of nine fire trucks and 36 firefighters approximately 45 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Early investigations suggest the fire was ignited by batteries charging in the backyard, with reports indicating that the batteries reportedly exploded, igniting numerous combustible items nearby.
The frequency of such fires linked to lithium-ion batteries is alarming, with NSW recording 100 incidents from January to April this year. Investigators are currently observing an average of four to five battery-related fires weekly.
To mitigate risk, authorities urge consumers to purchase batteries and chargers only from reputable manufacturers, ensure they use the correct charger for their devices, and avoid any tampering with batteries or chargers. Users are also advised against charging devices overnight or while they are away from home, and to disconnect devices once fully charged to prevent overheating.