New fire warning on the dangers of overcharging electronic devices
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is warning about the dangers of overcharging electronic devices as they demonstrated how quickly an ugly blaze can start from an overcharged e-scooter.
The footage below shows the horrible damage left behind, with the front windows blown out and the whole living room in a charred mess.
In the past five years, the number of fires caused by batteries, power packs or chargers has nearly doubled. Emergency services are concerned the popularity of devices like e-scooters will lead to even more fires if they’re overcharged, faulty or poorly made.
DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live that there are a couple of important precautions people need to take.
“People need to understand the dangers that are involved with leaving lithium ion battery unattended and on charge but importantly there is such a vast range of products that use these type of batteries and e-scooters are one of them,” Mr Klemm said.
“If you’re going to buy it, buy good quality. When they are getting charged make sure they are on a hard service and that there are no flammable products around.”
Press PLAY to hear how you can keep your household safe