A smoke alarm has saved three men from an e-bike fire in their Guildford home this morning.
When the alarm activated at 7am, a man, aged in his 30’s, woke to find his bike on fire while it was charging in his bedroom at the Eve Street address.
It appears the bike’s Lithium battery pack overheated, caught fire and burst open, spreading flames to nearby clothing and a bed.
The man, his brother and their father managed to escape the weatherboard home.
They attacked the fire with a garden hose outside as a Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew arrived.
Two firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, removed the e-bike and burning batteries from the home and doused the flames.
The man, woken by the smoke alarm, and his elderly father have been taken to hospital for assessment for smoke inhalation.
FRNSW Station Officer, Shawn Richardson, from Guildford Fire Station, said the working smoke alarm has saved the day.
“These residents are very lucky,” he said.
“Although the smoke was light in this case, it was very toxic.
“Fortunately, one of the men was woken by the alarm and they all got out safely.
“We urge everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed in their homes and to test them regularly.
“If people are uncertain about their alarms, they can book a home safety visit through the FRNSW website – http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9316 and our crews will inspect their property and install a smoke alarm, free of charge, if necessary.
“In regards to Lithium batteries, never charge them while you’re sleeping or when you’re not at home; only purchase reputable brands; don’t mix and match components and try to charge devices outdoors if possible.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.