Deniliquin NSW Fire + Rescue brigade were dispatched about 5.50am to what was recorded on the Fire Near Me app as a structure fire.
They responded with both appliances and 13 firefighters, and with support from the Mid Murray Rural Fire Service.
Deniliquin Ambulance NSW paramedics and Murray River Police District also responded.
The fire was called in by the bus owner, who lives on the bus.
He had heard a noise from outside the bus before going to bed.
He checked out the window and discovered the side of the bus was ablaze.
The fire was quickly extinguished once firefighters were on scene, although there were concerns about the battery storage area.
Fire + Rescue Captain Martin Smith said the batteries had begun to produce thermal runaway, which “presented its own set of problems”.
The batteries needed to be continually cooled.
Firefighters started off by pouring water over them before taking them out and placing them in an old bath full of water to negate the danger.
The bus was significantly damaged, and its occupant was treated for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were on scene for about four hours, returning to the station about 10.15am.
The bus’ undercarriage area where the batteries are housed.
The damage along the side of the bus.
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