Lithium-ion battery fire destroys unit in multi-storey complex - Camperdown
Published: 18 Nov 2024 09:38am
A lithium-ion battery left on charge is believed to be the cause of a unit fire in Camperdown overnight.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) initially responded to an automatic fire alarm in a multi-storey unit complex on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Road and Lyons Road around 2.40am.
The first arriving crews reported large volumes of thick black smoke coming from the building.
Ten trucks and approximately 40 firefighters quickly got to work, attacking the fire on the second level of the complex.
There were unconfirmed reports of people trapped however firefighters quickly searched the building to ensure all residents were out safely and accounted for.
More than 50 people were evacuated and one person, in the unit above where the fire started, was treated for smoke inhalation by NSW Ambulance paramedics but not transported to hospital.
One unit was destroyed in the blaze whilst the remaining residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.
Fire investigators have determined the fire started when a lithium-ion battery, believed to belong to a power tool or similar device, was charging on a lounge and caught alight.
When charging lithium-ion battery devices, FRNSW recommends:
- Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
- Always buy reputable lithium-ion battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components
- Don’t leave devices charging in bedrooms or on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
- Try to charge devices outside if possible
- Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion battery-powered devices
- Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
- If lithium-ion 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
- Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
- Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
Media note – Video footage of the fire is available here: https://vimeo.com/1030548179/f61127407e [external link]
Updated: 18 Nov 2024 08:43am
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.
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]
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