Lithium-ion battery sparks garage fire - Guildford

Published: 21 Jul 2025 03:23pm

A lithium-ion battery from an e-bike has sparked a fire that has destroyed part of a home in Guildford, in Sydney’s west.

Around 7.45 am, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) received multiple Triple Zero (000) calls to reports of a fire in a garage attached to a home on Guildford Road.

Firefighters arrived to find the garage well alight, with flames threatening the main house and adjoining properties.

Approximately 22 firefighters and seven fire trucks worked to bring the blaze under control and prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining properties.

All occupants of the property were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Neighbouring properties were also evacuated as a precaution.

Investigation has determined the fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery from an e-bike that was on charge at the time.

FRNSW urges the community to take precautions around Lithium-ion batteries, particularly when they are being charged:

  • Never sleep or leave home with your Lithium-battery-powered devices charging
  • Don’t leave them constantly on charge
  • Always use the power pack or cord that was supplied with the battery/device
  • If Lithium batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly
  • Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted
  • Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice
  • Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials
  • Try to charge devices outside if possible
  • Always buy reputable Lithium-battery brands
  • Beware of cheap, substandard Lithium battery-powered devices
  • Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells
  • Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials
  • Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire
  • Don’t store or charge Lithium-Ion-powered devices near exit points in your home
  • Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage
  • Working smoke alarms give an early warning and the best chance of escaping a fire safely.

Media note: Footage from this incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/1102997272/33cd6241c7?share=copy [external link]

Updated: 21 Jul 2025 01:28pm

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Related safety topics

Battery and charging safety

It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.

Smoke alarms

It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.

Escape plans

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]

Stations nearby

GUILDFORD Fire Station

263 Guildford Road, Guildford NSW 2161

MERRYLANDS Fire Station

340 Merrylands Road, Merrylands NSW 2160

YENNORA Fire Station

198 Fairfield Road, Yennora NSW 2161