Narraweena, Ronald Ave: Fireys warn about chargers after destructive e-scooter house fire

Firefighters have warned about using dodgy devices to recharge e-bikes and e-scooters after a destructive Sydney house fire forced a family to flee their home.

Authorities have warned northern beaches’ residents of the potential dangers of using dodgy devices to charge up their electric scooters and bikes.

The call to be careful with lithium-ion batteries and chargers came after four people were forced to flee a rented Narraweena home when it erupted into flames early on Thursday morning.

A man, 42, was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital with serious burns to his left foot as well as minor burns to an arm. He also suffered smoke inhalation in the blaze that started about 4am.

Ambulance paramedics also took a young adult woman from the Ronald Ave home, who had suffered the effects of inhaling smoke, to hospital. Two others, including a woman in her 40s and her adult son, were also assessed by paramedics.

Firefighters (right) battle to save a house destroyed by fire in Ronald Ave, Narraweena, on Thursday morning. Investigators say a recharging lithium-ion battery for an e-scooter was likely the cause of the blaze. Picture: Belrose Rural Fire Brigade

Fire and Rescue NSW investigators found that an e-scooter, powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, was charging inside the house.

FRNSW Duty Commander, Inspector Steven Perkins, said early indications were that the battery caused the fire.

Inspector Perkins said the occupants of the single-story brick home had an “incredibly lucky escape”.

“All early indicators are pointing to an e-scooter on charge inside the house as the possible cause,” he said.

Investigators believe an recharging e-scooter caused an intense house fire at Narraweena. Picture: FRNSW

“The nature of lithium-ion battery fires is extremely volatile.

“When these devices fail, they tend to do so extremely quickly and with great intensity.

“Despite how quickly the fire took hold, our crews successfully prevented it from spreading throughout the entire home to neighbouring properties.”

Inspector Perkins urged householders to practice extra caution around lithium-ion powered devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters and mobile devices.

Four people had to flee a house destroyed by fire in Ronald Ave, Narraweena. Two ended up in hospital. Picture: Belrose Rural Fire Brigade

FRNSW advised that when buying, using or charging lithium-ion products:

■ 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

Be careful when recharging batteries for electric scooters. Picture: iStock/Bortnikau

■ never charge devices while you are sleeping or in places that could block your escape

■ do not overcharge batteries. Switch off any cells once fully charged to avoid overheating

■ charge e-bikes and e-scooters outside, away from the home and on a hard surface

■ charge them 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

■ don’t throw lithium-ion batteries out with household garbage.