Three people have been left without homes after a fire caused by an e-bike battery tore through a two-storey unit complex in Marcoola.
Lara Burnes’ mother, Coralie Mallett, rented one of the three units in Petrie Avenue.
“The fire started in one unit, but all three attached units were destroyed – it was pretty devastating for all of them,” Ms Burnes said.
“They’re all Aussie battlers, just trying to make do, so it’s been devastating not only for my mum but for the whole little community.”
Six Queensland Fire Department (QFD) crews were called to the scene shortly after midday on January 31, arriving to find the unit fully involved in fire.
Following an investigation into the blaze, QFD confirmed the fire was caused by an e-bike battery, which was not housed in Ms Mallett’s dwelling.
“Whether or not it was because there were some issues with the wiring, I don’t know,” Ms Burnes said.
“People have them inside for safety, but I’d be charging it outside.”
Ms Burnes said her mother, a long-term Marcoola resident, has been left facing the challenge of starting again.
“My mum has lived in Marcoola for a long time and on the Sunshine Coast since 1986, so having to uproot her life and suddenly find somewhere else to live has been really hard,” she said.
“She’s had a lot of support from her friends, which has been really nice.”
The fire came during an already emotional period for the family, with Ms Burnes’ grandmother passing away just days earlier.
“It’s been quite an emotional rollercoaster,” she said.
“We scattered my grandmother’s ashes on the 23rd after she passed quite suddenly, and then a couple of days later Mum turned 70 – and then just days after that, she lost her home.
“I think she’s coping well, but we’ll see how the next couple of weeks go once it all really sinks in.”
Ms Burnes said the community response following the fire had been overwhelming.
“It’s a really close-knit community,” she said.
“Everyone banded together – people were coming out of their homes, checking if everyone was okay and embracing each other.”
Local resident Kerry Bailey started a GoFundMe to support all three affected unit occupants.
“Our hearts are broken for three incredible women (Nicky, Amy and Coralie) who have lost everything after a devastating house fire in Marcoola,” Ms Bailey wrote.
“The fire destroyed three apartments, all belonging to long-term residents who have each called Marcoola home for over 10 years.
“In a matter of moments, their homes, belongings and sense of safety were taken from them. They are now facing the overwhelming task of starting over – finding somewhere to live, replacing essentials and rebuilding their lives from scratch.”
Ms Burnes said her mother wanted to express her gratitude to those who had helped.
“She just really wants to thank everyone for the support – people have offered help both emotionally and financially, and it’s meant a lot,” she said.
Lithium-ion batteries – commonly used in devices such as e-bikes – sparked more than 200 fires in Queensland in the first 11 months of 2025.
QFD advice recommends charging devices, particularly e-scooters and e-bikes, in well-ventilated areas on non-combustible surfaces and never leaving them unattended.
Donations for the affected residents can be made by visiting GoFundMe.
See the QFD website for more information on lithium-ion battery safety.
