A man is lucky to be alive after being forced to leap out of a window to escape a fire, which destroyed a Merewether home.
The blaze broke out in the lounge room of a premises in Macquarie Street just after 11pm on Tuesday 25 July, while the occupant was sleeping.
It’s believed a faulty lithium battery-powered e-scooter might have started the fire.
Thankfully, a smoke alarm activated and was overheard by a neighbour.
He managed to wake the man just in time, allowing him to get out.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) deployed 24 firefighters and six trucks to the scene, with crews forcing entry into the home.
They immediately attacked the flames, bringing it under control in less than half an hour.
The fire was then fully-extinguished a short time later.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the resident for smoke inhalation.
Meanwhile, FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) is working to confirm whether an e-scooter left on charge caused the incident.
For further details about safely charging, storing and disposing of lithium batteries, and related devices, is available on the FRNSW website at https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9389
For more news stories:
- Teenager dies in multi-vehicle crash near Singleton
- Construction underway on Hexham Straight as drilling begins on M1 extension
- Man caught with firearm following vehicle stop at Raymond Terrace
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
