A Nottinghamshire family have lost their home and belongings after a "devastating" fire was started by a charging laptop. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a house fire on The Crescent in Woodthorpe at 3.35am on Monday, June 26.
A fire service investigation has found the blaze, which destroyed the home, was caused by the failure of a lithium-ion battery within a laptop left on charge overnight. Smoke alarms sounded meaning that the family of four had a chance to escape without injury.
The fire service has now issued a warning in the wake of the harrowing incident. Beth Hayman, Fire Investigation Officer, said: “This is a very devastating incident in which a family lost their house and belongings.
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“I urge everyone not to continuously charge electrical devices and to ensure they are switched off at the wall socket overnight. When charging devices ensure they are charged using the manufactured product from the device provider.
“Fortunately, due to the working smoke alarms within the property, the family managed to escape to safety. Make sure you test yours regularly as they save lives.” Anyone unable to consider the fire risk in their home, is asked to arrange a free Safe and Well visit through the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service website.
