Residents in Peterborough are being warned not to keep mobile phones charging for long periods of time after a battery exploded starting a fire.
The fire started at about 3pm on June 28 at a house in Meadenvale, Eastfield, Peterborough.
Crews from Dogsthorpe Fire Station were called to tackle the blaze, and had to go into the property wearing breathing apparatus to bring the flames under control.
The fire had spread in the bedroom after sparks from the exploding battery had caught hold of nearby clothing in the room.
Firefighters also used positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fans to clear smoke and ventilate the property.
Crews were on the scene for more than two hours before it was declared safe.
No one was in the home at the time of the incident.
Damage was caused in the bedroom, where the phone had been left on charge, including burning of the bed, furniture and serious smoke damage as well.
Paul Clarke, fire investigator at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, warned residents about the dangers of overloading sockets and leaving items on to charge for too long.
Mr Clarke said: “A fire investigation confirms the most likely cause of the fire was an exploding mobile phone battery, which caused hot filament to spark on to nearby clothing.
“This sort of incident is quite rare but it is a clear reminder for people to avoid leaving electrical appliances plugged in and switched on for long periods of time – especially when no one is at home.
“It is important to never overload sockets and after you have finished with a device, turn it off at the wall and unplug it from the socket.”
For more fire safety information, visit www.cambsfire.gov.uk
From www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk
