House Fire Sparks Warning Over Charging Laptops and Phones
A terrifying house fire in Oving has been linked to lithium-ion batteries left charging and unattended. Firefighters are now blasting a stern warning to the public: never leave devices charging when you’re not around.
Blaze Breaks Out in Loft After Batteries Overheat
Emergency crews rushed to a home on St Andrews Close on Sunday, 20 July, after smoke and flames erupted in a converted loft space. The homeowner had left the house with batteries on charge, which overheated and sparked the fire.
Firefighters in breathing gear tamed the blaze with a high-pressure hose and a carbon dioxide extinguisher. Neighbours, alerted by working smoke alarms, called 999 in time to stop the smoke spreading further.
Watch Manager Stuart Smith, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Leaving batteries and devices on charge while unattended is extremely dangerous and can start a fire. Thankfully, this property had working smoke alarms, which alerted neighbours and enabled a quick response.”
Experts Urge Caution When Charging
Station Manager Darren Wickings, chair of LIBERATE, a lithium-ion battery safety group, highlighted the risks:
“Lithium-ion batteries power phones, laptops, e-cigarettes, e-scooters, and e-bikes. They’re safe when used properly but can be hazardous if overcharged, damaged, or paired with the wrong charger.”
Top Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Tips
- Charge batteries on flat, solid surfaces only
- Never leave devices unattended while charging
- Unplug chargers immediately once fully charged
- Avoid charging large devices like e-bikes or scooters in hallways or escape routes
The LIBERATE group, made up of 162 fire and waste service members, promotes better awareness and safer handling of lithium-ion batteries across the UK.
Remember: Playing it safe with your device charging could stop your home going up in flames.
