A Perth man in his 20s remains in critical condition after a robotic vacuum cleaner explosion ignited a fire in his Brabham home on July 2. Lachie Perrem sustained burns to approximately 75% of his body during the incident, according to his mother, Fiona. The state department of fire and emergency services confirmed the fire was an accident caused by a fault in the device, marking the first reported case of a robotic vacuum cleaner fire.
Incident Details and Investigation
The fire broke out in the kitchen of the Brabham residence at approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 2. Four fire trucks responded to the triple-zero call, and crews worked for more than two hours to extinguish the blaze, which left the home uninhabitable for Perrem, his fiancee, Bri Thompson, and their housemates. One other woman required hospital treatment following the fire.
Investigators have not yet determined whether the fault originated in the vacuum’s electrical system or its lithium-ion battery. The device has been transferred to the state’s building and energy office for further forensic examination. While this is the first documented fire involving a robotic vacuum, the department noted that there have been four fires involving standard vacuum cleaners in the past two years.
While this is the first reported instance of a robotic vacuum cleaner fire, the department of fire and emergency services has recorded four separate fires involving standard vacuum cleaners within the past two years.
Current Status and Community Support
Perrem is currently sedated at Fiona Stanley Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for his extensive injuries. His fiancee, Bri Thompson, described the situation as “the biggest battle of his life” in a social media update. Perrem, a trained telecommunications technician, is known for his social media project “The Tradie Vault,” which focuses on mental health awareness and tool giveaways; the project is currently on hiatus.
A GoFundMe page established by Perrem’s mother has raised over $26,000 as of Tuesday evening. The funds are intended to assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and the immediate living costs for those displaced by the fire, including car repayments and housing.
The investigation into the vacuum’s lithium-ion battery or electrical fault highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding household appliances powered by high-energy density batteries. As these devices become standard in modern homes, the outcome of the state’s building and energy office investigation may influence future safety protocols for similar consumer electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire?
Investigators from the state department of fire and emergency services found the fire was an accident caused by a fault in the robotic vacuum cleaner.
Is the cause of the fault known?
No. It is currently unclear if the fire was caused by an electrical fault or an issue with the vacuum’s lithium-ion battery. The device is currently under investigation by the state’s building and energy office.
How can the public support the victims?
A GoFundMe page was launched by Perrem’s mother to help cover the costs of his medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the living expenses of those displaced by the fire.
What safety measures should households take when charging automated devices?
