E-scooter and luxury car among wreckage of Sydney house fire

Firefighters believe faulty batteries in an e-scooter sparked a house fire in Sydney’s northern beaches that destroyed a luxury car.

Firefighters believe a faulty e-scooter sparked a garage fire that nearly destroyed a home on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Twenty firefighters were called to attack a blaze at a multistorey home on Spring Cove Ave in Manly around 5.30pm on Saturday.

One of the occupants managed to make it out before the fire took hold of the house and escaped without any injury.

Firefighters were called to a multistorey home in the northern beaches following reports of a fire. Picture: FRNSW

Investigations have now revealed the fire may have been caused by an e-scooter which was being stored in the garage.

“It is not uncommon for firefighters to respond to fires which have been caused by lithium-ion battery-powered equipment such as e-bikes and e-scooters,” a Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames before they engulfed the upper levels of the home with only slight charring to the second-level balcony.

E-scooter likely started house fire in Manly. Picture FRNSW 6.jpg

Ventilation fans and gas detectors are being used to clear the home of toxic smoke and ensure it is safe for the residents to return home.

FRNSW are currently conducting research on how to best mitigate incidents involving these lithium-ion battery devices and how to best respond to incidents when they occur.

Firefighters urge people to do their research before purchasing, using and storing these items.

E-scooter likely started house fire in Manly. Picture FRNSW 6.jpg

They also continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring you have working smoke alarms in your home.

Tips for safely storing e-scooters

• Don’t charge or store electric vehicle batteries on combustible or insulating surfaces such as beds, sofas, or carpet.
• Keep them away from highly flammable materials such as blankets, clothing, and paper.
• Where possible, electric vehicles should be stored and charged outside in a garage, shed or carport away from living spaces.
• Only have device repairs and battery replacements or upgrades performed by a qualified professional.
• A smoke alarm or a heat alarm should be installed in garages where an electric vehicle is stored and/or charged.
• Never store or leave electric vehicle batteries in areas where they can be exposed to heat or moisture.
• Do not leave devices in direct sunlight or in parked vehicles where they can quickly heat up.