100th e-bike battery fire sparks terrace blaze - Redfern
Published: 28 Nov 2025 01:18pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has responded to its 100th lithium-ion battery fire involving an e-bike this year, after a fast-moving blaze tore through a two-storey terrace in Redfern early this morning.
At around 4am, crews were called to reports of a house fire at the Lawson Street property.
Firefighters arrived to find intense flames erupting from the ground floor and pushing up over the second-storey balcony, with smoke filling the upper level.
Crews quickly attacked and knocked down the fire inside the home and conducted a search to ensure all occupants were accounted for.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 30 minutes.
Two adjoining terraces were evacuated as firefighters checked for fire extension through the roof space. Solid brick walls helped prevent the blaze spreading.
Initial indicators including fire behaviour, burn patterns and statements provided by occupants to NSW Police suggest the fire originated from a lithium-ion battery belonging to an e-bike located in the front room on the ground floor, marking FRNSW's 100th e-mobility battery fire in 2025.
FRNSW is urging the community to follow essential lithium-ion battery safety steps:
- Always use the correct charger for your device - never mix and match.
- Only by e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries from reputable retailers.
- Avoid cheap online imports that may not meet Australian electrical standards.
- Never charge batteries overnight or while you're asleep.
- Do not modify batteries or devices to increase speed or range.
- Dispose of damaged or end-of-life batteries at a battery recycling facility.
- Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home as a minimum.
For more information on lithium-ion battery fire safety visit fire.nsw.gov.au
Media note: Footage from this incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/1141266337/ad08ede046?share=copy& [external link];fl=sv&fe=ci
Updated: 28 Nov 2025 12:23pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
If you do your bit to minimise the risks in your home, we can all stay safer together.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
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