Man Climbs Over Balcony to Escape Apartment e-Scooter Battery Fire

A Gold Coast apartment was engulfed in flames early on Jan. 28 after a resident placed an overheating e-scooter battery in a freezer in an attempt to cool it down.

Emergency crews rushed to Worendo Street, Southport, before 6 a.m. to find part of the residential complex ablaze. All residents managed to escape unharmed, including one man who climbed off a balcony to safety.

“We can confirm six Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) crews attended a unit fire on Worendo St, Southport after a call came through at about 5.40 a.m. this morning. At this stage, we can confirm the fire was caused by a failed lithium-ion battery,” the fire department media unit told The Epoch Times.

Southport Fire Station officer Brenton Maizie said the residents were fortunate to escape with their lives.

He explained that the rechargeable battery had entered a dangerous state known as “thermal runaway,” which occurs when a battery overheats uncontrollably, leading to possible explosions and fires.

“We’re very fortunate the people were awake this morning. They noticed the battery heating up, but putting it in a freezer doesn’t cool it down,” Maizie told ABC News.

“Once thermal runaway starts, the battery will continue to overheat, explode, and ignite. It’s an extremely powerful fire source.”

Maizie noted an alarming rise in battery-related incidents across Queensland.

“It seems to be becoming more common. We’re trying to spread awareness about how dangerous these batteries can be,” he added.

Safety Measures

Highlighting best practices, Maizie advised moving overheated batteries to a safe location outside if possible.

“If your phone or device feels unusually hot, take it outside to the safest spot you can—a pool, driveway, or even the middle of the road,” he said. “If it’s too dangerous to move, evacuate your family, leave the device, and call triple-0 immediately.”

Fire authorities have also emphasised the importance of smoke alarms, particularly in areas where devices with lithium-ion batteries are charged or stored.

Larger devices like e-scooters should be charged in garages or sheds away from living spaces to reduce risk.

Other States Warning of Risks

Earlier this month, a similar incident occurred in Sydney, where 100 guests, including two children, narrowly escaped a hotel fire in Sydney’s Warwick Farm linked to faulty rechargeable devices.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze was caused by a thermal runaway process linked to lithium-ion batteries.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has warned about the growing risks.

“These batteries are among the fastest-growing fire hazards,” FRNSW said, urging users to follow safe charging practices, avoid combustible surfaces, and use only certified chargers. Damaged or overheating batteries should be discarded immediately.