A ferocious blaze that destroyed a large golf clubhouse in Victoria's Yarra Valley was caused by charging lithium-ion batteries, firefighters have ruled.
The 180-square-metre building at Eastern Golf Club on Victoria Road in Yering, about 38km north-east of Melbourne's CBD, was gutted by a fire that broke out about 1.43pm yesterday.
The club's management yesterday said it believed the fire started in a storage room, where electric buggies and batteries are kept.
Firefighters have today confirmed lithium-ion batteries on charge inside the building that sparked the fire.
Earlier this month the Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC) released data showing fires caused by lithium-ion batteries were on the rise, with the ACCC having received 231 product safety reports relating to lithium-ion batteries in the past five years.
"We are concerned by increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires resulting in property damage and serious injuries, including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation," ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
The fire in Yering yesterday quickly spread and burnt out the multimillion-dollar building's pro shop, offices lounge and function and dining rooms, helped by 45km/h winds in the area.
Firefighters from the surrounding area rushed to the scene, bringing 11 units, as did paramedics, police and the club's power and gas providers.
Meanwhile, the building was successfully evacuated, with the club's staff and members forced to watch on as the building burnt.
The entire structure was already fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.
A community advice warning was issued for smoke in the area.
Firefighters were still at the scene putting out hotspots this morning.
The golf club described itself as "an exciting meeting and events destination with six dedicated rooms with capacity for up to 250 guests" on its website.
It only opened the building in 2015.
