Chichester house fire prompts firefighters to warn against leaving charging batteries unattended
Sparks from the battery caused a fire but the residents were not at home.
Firefighters in Chichester are warning local residents against leaving charging batteries and devices unattended after a fire at a property in the town.
On the 20th July, fire crews extinguished a house fire at St Andrew's Close caused by sparks from a charging battery.
The residents of the house were not at home.
Fortunately the house smoke alarms worked and neighbours were able to call 999.
Watch Manager Stuart Smith said: “Leaving batteries and devices on charge while unattended is extremely dangerous and can start a fire. Thankfully the property had working smoke alarms which alerted the neighbours to call 999.
“It is a good idea to turn electrical items off at the switch when not in use, especially when leaving the house, and avoid charging devices and running electrical appliances overnight while you are asleep. In the event of a fire, you’ll have less time to react and escape.”
Station Manager Darren Wickings, Chair of the lithium-ion group LIBERATE, said: “Lithium-ion batteries are found in many common rechargeable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-cigarettes, e-scooters and e-bikes. These batteries are safe during normal use, but present a fire risk when over-charged, short-circuited, submerged in water, or damaged.
“To help prevent fire, always use the charger supplied with the device or recommended by the manufacturer.
“Charge batteries and devices on a flat, solid and stable surface. Don’t leave them charging while unattended or overnight and always unplug the charger when they are fully charged.
“Never charge large lithium-ion batteries, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, in hallways or stairwells where they could block your escape. Try to charge and store them away from living areas.”