An article tucked into the corner of Page 4 in the Thursday, Oct. 24 edition of the Butler Eagle addresses a potentially dangerous issue that likely is not considered by those with 5% on battery life left on their phone, iPad, or other device.

The story related the events of a fire at a home on Pearce Road that was thankfully knocked down quickly by Adams Area Fire District firefighters at 1:20 a.m. the day before.

It turns out the blaze was started by a charging cellphone that had been tucked into couch cushions and a blanket, according to firefighters.

Fire district officials turned to their social media pages the next day, warning residents to avoid charging devices including phones, iPads, tablets or computers on padded furniture or in bed.

The fire district in its post noted that electronics manufacturers recommend charging devices on hard surfaces that are well-ventilated because charging on soft surfaces can trap heat generated by the battery while charging.

That heat, the fire officials said, can ignite mattresses, bedding, pillows and sheets.

The Adams Area fire official implored residents not to charge devices on soft surfaces, or to leave a charging device in bed while sleeping.

Many of us are guilty of this very action, as people want their phones as close to them as possible, even while their owners are slumbering.

The Butler Eagle stands behind the professional advice of our local firefighters, and hopes all county residents will heed their warning.

Charge up the cell on a bedside table if you must charge it overnight, and make sure fresh batteries are installed in the smoke detectors when the clocks are changed this coming weekend.

Also, the Eagle applauds the quick response of the Adams Area Fire District to the home on Pearce Road, which could have been a total loss.

Simple changes in our lives, like charging our devices during the day or on a hard surface, can have lifesaving outcomes.

— PJG