Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has issued a warning about charging batteries correctly following a house fire in Ryde overnight.
Firefighters were called to the Bowden Street home around 10.20pm after reports of an explosion.
Crews arrived on scene to find the rear of the home fully alight with the fire extending into the roof.
It took approximately 30 firefighters over an hour to extinguish the blaze which is believed to have been caused by a lithium-ion battery.
All residents safely evacuated the property and there were no reported injuries.
FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said it’s important to only use batteries and chargers that are known to be from a reputable manufacturer, are compatible with the charging unit and are purchased in Australia. The risk of buying cheap overseas products is not worth the savings.
Never open or modify a battery and always check you are using the correct charger or power supply for the device.
Also keep your electrical devices well organised while charging, away from flammable items such as furniture, and don’t leave devices on charge for longer than necessary.