Probe finds Adams Township fire was started by charging cellphone
An early Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, fire started after a charging cellphone was stuffed between sofa cushions and a blanket, according to Adams Area Fire District’s Captain Doug Mellinger.
The fire district responded to 137 Pearce Road at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday to find a working fire at the two-story residence in the a second story bedroom.
According to Mellinger, firefighters arrived on scene about six minutes after dispatch, and the fire was isolated to a sofa in the bedroom.
After extinguishing the fire, the fire district’s investigation found that the fire was started by a charging cellphone that was tucked into cushions and a blanket.
The fire district took to Facebook after the incident to “strongly advise” residents to never charge any electronic devices including cellphones, iPads, tablets or computers on padded furniture or in bed, especially while sleeping.
The fire district noted that electronics manufacturers recommend charging devices on hard surfaces that are well ventilated. Charging devices on soft surfaces can trap the heat generated by the battery while charging and ignite mattresses, bedding, pillows and sheets.
“We beg all of our residents to please follow the advice of the manufacturer,” the fire district said in a Facebook post.
“The residents today were luckily alerted to the fire early and a rapid response by first responders prevented potential serious damage and loss,” Mellinger said. “We beg all of our residents to please follow the advice of the manufacturer, the (National Fire Protection Association) and us. Do not leave any charging electronics on any soft surfaces or in bed with you.”
