Firies battled battery blaze, keeping neighbours safe

The blaze broke out in Murray Street, just before 2pm.
Six fire trucks and more than 24 firefighters battled the intense blaze for around 90-minutes, working desperately to stop flames spreading to neighbouring homes.
The fire caused extensive damage to the house, but thankfully no-one was injured in the incident.
FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) has assessed the fire scene and examined a large stockpile of Lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes kept on site.
Fire investigators believe the property housed an e-bike spare parts business.
They believe a faulty battery went into ‘thermal runaway,’ a process whereby an overheated cell caused a chain reaction, causing the intense fire.
FRNSW is warning the public to use extra caution when dealing with Lithium-ion battery-powered devices, including micromobility products like e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.
FRNSW suggests:
• Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging,
• Don’t leave them constantly on charge,
• If Lithium 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,
• Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials,
• Try to charge devices outside if possible,
• Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands and never ‘mix and match’ components,
• Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices,
• Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells,
• Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials,
• Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage,
• Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire, and
• Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home.