In a freak incident, two Victorian residents evacuated their first-floor house through a window after their charging e-bike caught fire.
Both occupants sustained injuries and were transported to hospital by Ambulance Victoria.
This is the second reported incident in the last two days in which e-bikes suddenly caught fire.
Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in either case. On Aug. 28 morning, a teenager riding to school on an e-bike was saved by an off-duty firefighter who happened to pass by.
Following the incidents, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) issued a statement urging residents not to charge, or store, e-bikes or -scooters inside their homes.
“If you must charge a device inside your property, it is crucial that devices are charged in areas away from exits and in rooms with smoke alarms.”
The more recent incident was reported to have occurred on the morning of Aug. 27 at a Macpherson Street property. The occupants woke up at 6:48 a.m. to the sound emitting from the e-bike.
“The bike was on charge near the door of the apartment, with the fire blocking the exit. The only way the occupants could escape the blaze was by evacuating out of the window. Crews arrived at the scene within four minutes to find the apartment fully alight. The unit did not contain a working smoke alarm,” says the statement issued by the FRV.
Deputy Commissioner of Community Safety Joshua Fischer said the incident was an unfortunate reminder of the risks posed by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
“It is crucial that you never leave your rechargeable batteries in front of exits, which would prevent your escape should a fire break out,” Deputy Commissioner Fischer said.
Fischer also recommended buying products from a reputable supplier and that people “never tamper with” or modify a battery.
“Device repair, battery replacement, or upgrades must be performed by a qualified professional,” he added.
Attempting to modify a battery yourself could lead to incorrect power delivery to the device, causing overheating and fires.
“It’s also important that you only use the battery or charger originally supplied with the device, or one sold by the manufacturer,” Deputy Commissioner Fischer said.
He added that this incident served as a timely reminder to install smoke alarms in all bedrooms, living areas, and hallways.
“Install smoke alarms and test them regularly so you know they are working. They could save your life.”
