Arabic version: حريق دراجة كهربائية يدمر منزلاً ومشروعاً في مورويلومباه

According to ABC News, an e-bike battery fire engulfed a family home and business in South Murwillumbah, northern New South Wales, early on Monday. Firefighters took nearly three hours to bring the blaze under control, while police investigate its cause.

Valley E-bike owner Mick Parkhill said flames broke out about 3:00am as his family of four was asleep. He said he attempted to use a fire blanket before the family escaped, but intense smoke prevented him from rescuing the family’s dogs.

Mr Parkhill said the property held about 70 e-bikes, worth at least $500,000. He and his partner operated their business from the home and a shed in Railway Street, near the start of the Tweed Valley Rail Trail.

NSW Fire and Rescue Northern Rivers Inspector Tim Climo said lithium batteries made the fire particularly difficult to extinguish. He recommended buying e-bikes and batteries from reputable manufacturers and suppliers, and said batteries should be charged away from the house where possible, with smoke detection if charged in a garage.

Mr Parkhill said the house was a renovated buyback home from the 2022 floods and was due to be lifted next month. He said he hoped to rebuild the business.