Fire-fighters have issued a warning after an electrical appliance caused a fire after being left on charge overnight.
A laptop computer had been left to charge through the night and subsequently overheated, catching fire while the family were sleeping.
Their smoke alarm alerted them to the danger and the family smothered the fire themselves with a tea towel before calling the fire brigade.
Fire-fighters made sure that the blaze had been completely put out. However, the laptop was completely destroyed and parts had actually broken off, leaving burn marks on various surfaces where these broken pieces had landed.
There were no injuries from this particular fire thanks to the working smoke alarm but it does highlight the danger appliances can pose when they overheat.
How many businesses leave items, such as a laptop, on charge overnight at their business premises without considering potential dangers?
The difference with a fire similar to this one sparking in a business premises is that throughout the evening it is unlikely that there is anyone there to raise the alarm. There could potentially be a lot of damage and subsequent problems from an incident like this happening in a business environment.
Have you ever come across a business which regularly leaves electrical appliances on overnight?
Written by Sara Thomson
