A Nagambie house fire started by a charging e-scooter has prompted a fresh warning from CFA about the risks of lithium-ion battery-powered devices in and around the home.
Nine CFA fire trucks from local brigades responded to the incident at around 5.32pm on Monday 13 April.
When crews arrived, they found fire established in the roof space and immediately began suppression efforts.
Nagambie Fire Brigade Captain Allen Treble said the fire appears to have started after an e-scooter was placed on charge on the back veranda.
"When we arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames and there was fire and smoke coming from just about every part of the roof," Allen said.
"It appears the battery went into thermal runaway, with the fire running up the side of the house, into the eaves and then through the roof space."
Crews worked quickly to contain the blaze, which was promptly brought under control by 6.05pm and declared safe at 6.13pm, with all occupants safely accounted for.
"We went in with breathing apparatus and began an internal attack, while crews outside worked to keep the fire contained to the roof space as much as possible," Allen said.
"In about 45 minutes we had the fire contained, but there was still a lot of work to do as we went room by room to pull down the ceiling and extinguish hot spots."
The residence sustained significant damage.
Allen said the incident was a timely reminder for people to take care when charging lithium-ion battery-powered devices.
"Keep these devices and batteries well away from any structure when charging," Allen said.
"If a battery goes into thermal runaway, the safest place for it is away from your house, shed, awnings or eaves."
Victorians can find out more about charging their devices correctly at ww.cfa.vic.gov.au/batterysafety.
