Lithium-ion batteries contribute to intensity of townhouse blaze
Published: 19 Mar 2025 12:00am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a townhouse in Mayfield, in the Hunter region.
Just before 2am, firefighters responded to Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a two-level building located on the corner of Maitland Road and Woodstock Street.
On arrival, crews were met by an intense and rapidly expanding fire in the complex of eight townhouses.
Fortunately, all occupants had self-evacuated with the assistance of neighbours.
Four of the occupants were transported by NSW Ambulance paramedics to hospital suffering smoke inhalation.
It took firefighters approximately one hour to contain the fire. Firefighters worked from an aerial ladder platform truck to remove roof sheets and fully extinguish the fire.
The townhouse was severely damaged by the fire and the cause is still being determined.
Quotes attributable to Superintendent Adam Dewberry:
"One adjoining unit suffered some damage, however, firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring residences.
"Several lithium-ion e-bike batteries that had gone into thermal runaway have been located on site, which no doubt contributed to the intensity of this blaze."
Media note: Footage of the scene is available here: https://vimeo.com/1067195771/603abd132e?share=copy
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 5:22pm