Couple Jumps From Burning Apartment to Escape E-Bike Fire in Auburn — A Stark Reminder of Why Preparation Matters
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Published: February 2026 | EV Fire Solutions
On the morning of 12 February 2026, a man and woman were forced to jump from a first-floor balcony of their Auburn apartment in Sydney's west to escape a fire that investigators believe started from an e-bike that was charging inside the unit. Both suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital by NSW Ambulance.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) received multiple Triple Zero calls just after 6:30am reporting flames and a large plume of smoke pouring from the Cumberland Road building. Neighbours also reported hearing a series of explosions. Four fire crews responded and found fire issuing from the first floor. Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the building and extinguished the blaze, but not before the apartment sustained extensive damage — blown-out windows, destroyed balcony fencing, and an interior left completely gutted by fire.
In the aftermath, images from the scene showed police carrying a small white dog, wrapped in a tattered blanket, from the damaged building. An electric bicycle was later seen being loaded into the back of a police van as part of the investigation.
It's a scene that is becoming far too common across Australia.
A Crisis That Keeps Growing
This incident didn't happen in isolation. It's part of a pattern that fire authorities describe as an escalating crisis.
FRNSW recorded its 100th e-mobility battery fire in 2025 alone — and that milestone was reached well before the year was out. To put the trajectory into perspective, NSW saw just 23 fires linked to e-micromobility devices in 2022. By 2024, that number had climbed to 93. By early 2025, a total of 193 incidents had already been recorded. Fire crews in NSW are now responding to a lithium-ion battery fire almost every single day.
The human cost is devastating. In 2024, NSW recorded its first two fatalities from a lithium-ion battery fire. FRNSW data shows that people are four times more likely to be injured by a fire originating from a lithium-ion battery compared to other fire types. In just one week in early February 2025, firefighters responded to four separate e-bike and e-scooter fires in a single 12-hour period across Sydney.
These aren't small, slow-burning events. A lithium-ion battery fire involves a process called thermal runaway — a chain reaction where the battery cells overheat and ignite one after another. Temperatures can reach 800–1,000°C within seconds. The fire releases toxic gases including hydrogen fluoride. It can reignite hours after being suppressed. And critically, water and conventional fire extinguishers are often ineffective at controlling it.
Why These Fires Are So Dangerous at Home
What makes e-bike fires particularly devastating is where they happen — inside people's homes, often while they sleep or go about their morning routines. Many people charge their e-bikes in hallways, living rooms, or near bedroom doors, unknowingly blocking their own escape route if a fire breaks out.
Both FRNSW and the London Fire Brigade have repeatedly warned about this exact scenario. When an e-bike catches fire indoors, the speed at which smoke and flames fill a room can leave occupants with no choice but to jump from windows — exactly what happened in Auburn.
A recent NSW Government survey found that 73% of respondents charged their devices while unattended, with 64% leaving devices plugged in after they had fully charged. Meanwhile, 32% said they didn't know how to implement basic safety measures. These habits, combined with the increasing popularity of e-bikes, create the conditions for tragedy.
Contributing factors include using incorrect or aftermarket chargers, modifying batteries or devices for more speed or range, purchasing cheap imports that don't meet Australian electrical safety standards, and charging on combustible surfaces like beds, sofas, or carpet.
New Regulations Are Coming — But Preparation Starts Now
The NSW Government introduced new product safety standards for lithium-ion-powered e-bikes and e-scooters on 1 February 2025, requiring these devices and their batteries to meet safety compliance standards. Further measures, including mandatory testing and certification, took effect in August 2025, with labelling requirements rolling out in February 2026.
These regulations are a positive step. But regulation alone can't prevent every incident — especially when millions of existing devices are already in homes across the country. That's where personal preparation becomes essential.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Home and Family
FRNSW recommends these essential safety practices for anyone who owns an e-bike or e-scooter:
Charge safely. Always use the correct charger for your device — never mix and match. Never charge overnight or while you're asleep. Unplug as soon as the battery is full.
Buy from reputable sources. Avoid cheap online imports that may not meet Australian Standards. Look for chargers bearing the Regulatory Compliance Mark.
Don't modify your device. Never modify batteries, chargers, or devices to increase speed or range. Homemade or aftermarket battery packs have been linked to numerous fires.
Store and charge wisely. Where possible, charge e-bikes in a garage, shed, or carport — away from living spaces, exit doors, and escape routes. Never charge on beds, sofas, or carpet.
Have working smoke alarms. Ensure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home.
Have the right fire safety equipment. This is the step most people overlook. Standard fire extinguishers and blankets are not designed for lithium-ion battery fires. Having purpose-built equipment can mean the difference between containing an incident and losing your home.
Purpose-Built Protection for Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
Our E-Bike and E-Scooter EV Fire Blankets are specifically engineered to contain fires caused by lithium-ion battery thermal runaway. At 2m x 2m and just 2.2kg, they're compact enough to store near your charging station and designed for rapid deployment when seconds count.
Unlike standard fire blankets, ours are tested to EN13501 fire safety standards for lithium-ion battery fire scenarios. They're built to withstand the extreme temperatures these fires produce and help prevent the fire from spreading while you evacuate and wait for emergency services.
Key features include:
Designed specifically for lithium-ion fires — engineered for the unique challenges of thermal runaway, not just conventional fires.
Rapid deployment — easy to use with no special training required. In an emergency, every second matters.
Compact and storable — keep one wherever you charge or store your e-bike, whether that's your garage, apartment, or workplace.
Tested to EN13501 standards — rigorously tested for performance and durability against lithium-ion battery fires.
For the most comprehensive protection, we recommend pairing a fire blanket with our specialised EV fire extinguisher — our Safety Bundles include both at a 15% saving.
Don't Wait for an Emergency
The couple in Auburn didn't expect to start their Wednesday morning by jumping from a burning building. Nobody does. But the reality is that lithium-ion battery fires are happening in Australian homes almost every day, and they are faster, hotter, and more dangerous than most people realise.
If you own an e-bike or e-scooter, take the time today to review your charging habits, check your smoke alarms, and make sure you have the right safety equipment on hand. Being prepared doesn't just protect your property — it protects your family.
Always call 000 immediately if an e-bike fire occurs. Evacuate first, fight the fire only if it's safe to do so, and never re-enter a burning building.
Shop E-Bike & E-Scooter Fire Safety Equipment →
Sources: Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Government, Yahoo News Australia. Free shipping Australia-wide on all EV Fire Solutions products.