Charging devices overnight poses fire risk, experts warn

Many people charge their phones at night, and it seems to be a convenient solution. We wake up in the morning with a fully charged battery and a device ready to go. However, few of us realize that this method can have negative consequences—for both the phone itself and our health and safety. It's worth considering why this seemingly innocent habit can lead to problems that are rarely discussed.

Kettles, coffee makers, phones, and other smartphones are among the main causes of fires, especially those charged at night near beds or even in bedding. It is recommended that unused devices be disconnected from the power supply during sleep or when leaving the house.

Frequent reports of fires caused by spontaneous ignition of phones stem from their ubiquity. However, other electronic devices also pose a threat.

Most of these gadgets consist of plastic elements and are often left on wooden surfaces, facilitating the rapid spread of fire. The popularity of electric vehicles is increasing, which also raises the number of fires involving electric scooters.

The fire department reminds us to carefully follow the operating instructions for these devices, not only regarding use but also charging and storing batteries. Manufacturers often indicate additional safety measures that should be taken to reduce the risk of fire.

Saving on chargers can be dangerous. As more manufacturers do not include chargers in sales packages, it's worth investing in a branded product.

Cheap charger replacements sold in popular electronics stores, including foreign ones, often do not meet safety standards and do not undergo proper testing.