Firefighters have shared their top tips for charging devices after a fire at a flat on Wichling Close in Orpington.
Part of a four roomed flat on the fifth floor was damaged by fire. Smoke alarms fitted within the property alerted the family to the fire, which allowed three adults and one child to leave the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is believed to have been caused by a defective charger for a hoverboard.
Firefighters top tips for charging devices
- Always use the charger that came with your device
- If you need to buy a replacement, always choose a branded, genuine product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference
- Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures
- Protect batteries against being damaged – that's crushed, punctured or immersed in water
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete
- Never cover chargers or charging devices – that includes using your laptop power lead in bed
- Don't overload your sockets – learn more about how much is too much on the fuses and power load page
- Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order
- Try to keep to one plug per socket, especially for high powered appliances like washing machines
- Be lead safety savvy – cable drum extension leads should always be completely unwound to avoid overheating, and be careful not to overload extension leads
- Register your white goods– it could save your life if a product is recalled for safety reasons
- Share your fire safety knowledge with the whole family – check the kids' chargers
The Brigade was called at 2222 and the fire was under control by 2249. Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Orpington, Sidcup and Bromley fire stations attended the scene.
