E-bike Fire at Toronto, near Newcastle Sparks Safety Warning from Fire and Rescue NSW

Toronto, NSW – Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging residents to adhere to safe charging practices for lithium-ion battery-powered devices following an e-bike fire that occurred in Toronto yesterday.

The incident took place at approximately 1:45 pm at a property on Milford Street, where the owner had been charging his e-bike on the rear verandah. Just after 1:00 pm, the owner heard a series of explosions. Rushing outside, he discovered that the e-bike, which he had purchased second-hand only two weeks prior, was engulfed in flames.

Acting quickly, the owner managed to extinguish the fire using a combination of a fire extinguisher and a garden hose before FRNSW crews arrived on the scene. Fortunately, there were no injuries or structural damage reported.

This fire follows a similar incident that occurred just last month at Belmont, where an e-scooter caught fire while charging in a garage. In that case, the fire quickly spread to other stored items before it was brought under control by emergency services. The Belmont fire caused significant damage to the garage and highlighted the potential dangers of improper charging practices.

Lithium-ion battery fires, such as those involving e-bikes and e-scooters, are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing fire risks in NSW. The recent incidents in Toronto and Belmont serve as timely reminders for residents to take precautions when charging these devices.

FRNSW has issued the following safety guidelines to help prevent such fires:

• Always charge larger devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and power tools, outside and away from living spaces and exits.
• Never leave lithium-ion battery devices charging while asleep or when leaving home.
• Disconnect devices from the charger once they are fully charged.
• Avoid charging devices on beds, sofas, or near combustible materials.
• Ensure that a working smoke alarm is installed in any room, garage, or structure where lithium-ion batteries are regularly charged or stored.

The increasing occurance of fires involving lithium-ion batteries highlights the need for more awareness about safety practices. By following these guidelines, residents can significantly reduce the risk of fire and protect their homes and loved ones.

FRNSW continues to investigate the underlying causes of these fires and urges anyone using lithium-ion battery-powered devices to remain vigilant.