Phone Charger Fire In Pulborough Prompts Warning

A fresh warning's come from firefighters in Sussex after an overheating phone charger caught alight and burned bedding in a house in Pulborough.

The warning comes after a man in the village was awoken shortly after 1.30am to find his mobile phone malfunctioning accompanied by a smell of burning coming from his bed.

According to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, he had gone to sleep the previous evening and left his phone on charge on his bed.

The charging cable had overheated on the bedding and started a small fire.

He called the firefighters for help, though was able to extinguish the fire himself.

Crews later gave safety advice, saying mobile phones should be placed on a flat, stable surface when being charged, and people should avoid leaving them plugged in overnight as they can overheat if left plugged in for prolonged periods of time.

Station Manager Jon Mays, who attended the property on West Chiltington Road on March 25, said:

"This individual had a very lucky escape and his quick thinking in the early hours of this morning prevented the fire from taking hold and spreading any further.

"But we would urge all residents not to leave their phones charging on their beds, sofas or underneath pillows.

"The devices can heat up exceptionally quickly, and when left on a combustible surface, this becomes a recipe for disaster.

"This particular fire seems to have begun within the cable itself, rather than the mobile phone.

"We would urge people to use the manufactures supplied equipment and check the chargers that they are using to ensure they are not damaged, frayed or have exposed wires, as these can all lead to a fire beginning.

"Thankfully this resident had working smoke alarms fitted on each level of his property too, which serve as an early warning when a fire breaks out."

Here's West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service's current advice to prevent electrical fires:

• DON'T overload plug sockets
• DO regularly check for worn or frayed wires
• DO unplug appliances when not in use
• DO Keep appliances clean and in good working order
• DO fully unwind extension cables prior to their use.

For more information, the county's fire and rescue service welcomes residents to https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire