Household Fire Triggers Alert on Battery Safety
Last Thursday, fire crews were called to a flat on Gladstone Street in Millfield, Peterborough, to tackle a fire that investigators believe was caused by a lithium-ion battery in a tablet overheating while left charging. This incident marks one of several battery-related fires that have occurred in homes this year, according to the Cambridgeshire Fire Service.
In response, the fire service has issued a series of recommendations to help residents charge their devices safely and reduce the risk of battery-related fires at home.
First and foremost, the fire service advises using only the original or manufacturer-recommended chargers, cables, and plugs for your devices. Proper voltage and current regulation are essential to prevent overheating during charging, which can lead to fires or explosions.
Second, the fire service urges people to avoid overcharging devices by unplugging them once they are fully charged. Overcharging can increase the risk of a dangerous condition known as thermal runaway, which can cause fires or explosions.
Third, the fire service recommends keeping devices and batteries away from extreme heat environments, such as inside hot cars or direct sunlight. High temperatures can damage lithium-ion batteries and significantly increase the fire risk.
Fourth, the fire service advises charging devices on a hard, flat surface rather than soft surfaces like beds or sofas. This practice allows for proper ventilation around the battery and helps prevent overheating.
Lastly, the fire service advises against leaving devices charging unattended for extended periods, especially overnight. By doing so, people can detect and respond quickly if any overheating or burning occurs.
By following these guidelines, residents can significantly reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires at home, keeping themselves and their property safe. The fire service also encourages people to put portable devices on a solid surface when charging and to leave devices uncovered to prevent batteries from getting too hot.
This incident serves as a reminder for everyone to exercise caution when charging their devices and to follow the recommended safety precautions to prevent fires and ensure a safer home environment.
- To prevent battery-related fires at home, the fire service suggests using only original or manufacturer-recommended chargers, cables, and plugs for devices to maintain proper voltage and current regulation.
- It's also advised to avoid overcharging devices by unplugging them once they are fully charged to decrease the risk of thermal runaway, a condition that can lead to fires or explosions.
