A house fire in East Devonport last night was caused by an electric scooter that exploded while charging in the kitchen, the Tasmania Fire Service has confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the home on Mary Street shortly after 10pm on Sunday after reports of a structure fire.
All occupants escaped the house before crews arrived and no one was injured.
Fire investigator and station officer Damien Hopkins said the blaze was determined to be accidental after an investigation.
“It has been determined that the fire originated from an electric scooter that was on charge in the kitchen area,” he said.
“The lithium-ion battery overheated and subsequently exploded while on charge, quickly spreading the fire and smoke throughout the house.”
Hopkins said crews moved quickly to stop the fire from spreading further.
“Given the rapid development and intensity of the fire, firefighters were relieved that all occupants were able to escape uninjured,” he said.
The Tasmania Fire Service urged the community to take care when charging electric scooters and other devices powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Owners should always use approved chargers, charge devices in well-ventilated areas away from anything flammable and never leave them unattended while charging.
