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Phone Fire Ignites High-Rise: Charge Safely!
6 Oct
Summary
- Phone charging on a bed sparked a fire causing minor burns.
- Fire chief urges charging on hard surfaces, not on beds.
- Improper battery disposal poses fire and explosion risks.
Windsor's fire chief is urging residents to exercise caution when charging electronic devices after a phone overheated on a bed, sparking a fire in a city high-rise on Sunday morning. Two individuals sustained minor burns in the incident on Caron Avenue. This event highlights the focus of Fire Prevention Week, observed from October 4 to 10, with the theme "Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." Chief Jamie Waffle advised charging devices on flat, hard surfaces, away from bedding, and using manufacturer-approved charging cords.
Residents should also be vigilant for signs of overheating, such as excessive heat, crackling sounds, or unusual smells. For larger battery-powered items like e-bikes, charging and storage should ideally be done outside, ensuring exits remain unobstructed. The rapid escalation of fires, doubling in size every minute, underscores the importance of these precautions. The safety advisory extends to the disposal of old batteries and devices.
Cathy Copot-Nepszy from the Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority emphasized that expired batteries and devices should not be discarded improperly, as they can cause fires or explosions within the waste stream. An incident at an EWSWA depot involving a battery in yard waste led to a small explosion. Last year, over 44,000 kilograms of batteries were diverted from landfills through EWSWA depots. Residents can find additional drop-off locations via Call2Recycle to ensure safe and proper recycling of these items.
