Fire Crews Issue Chilling Warning After Phone Charger Explodes in Gosport
A nasty scare in Gosport has sparked a blunt warning from fire chiefs about leaving phone chargers plugged in when not in use.
Exploding Charger Sparks Late-Night Fire Call
Just before 9pm on Wednesday, two fire crews from Gosport raced to a property in Thomas Grant Avenue after a woman reported a burning smell and electrical damage.
Firefighters discovered the charred remains of an overheated Samsung phone charger — a tiny device that could have easily turned the home into a blazing inferno.
Fire Chief Sounds Alarm on Hidden Dangers
Watch Manager Rob Dellow of Hampshire Fire and Rescue warned: “People leave their phone chargers plugged in all the time when they aren’t being used. Turn them off and unplug them.”
“Unless an electrical item is designed to be left on unattended – such as a fridge or freezer – it should always be switched off. In addition, we advise that all homes should be fitted with working smoke alarms, and these should be tested regularly.”
Stay Safe: Tips from Fire Experts
- Unplug phone chargers and small electrical devices when not in use
- Only leave appliances like fridges and freezers switched on unattended
- Install smoke alarms in every room and test weekly
This frightening incident is a stark reminder: a small charger can cause big damage if you’re not careful.