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NSAI warns of dangers of appliances after charger causes fire in Dublin

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A mobile phone charger was responsible for the outbreak of a fire in Dublin last night. Image: Dublin Fire Brigade/Twitter

13 January 2016

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has issued a statement warning consumers of the dangers of electrical products after a mobile phone charger left unattended on a bed overheated and caused a fire at an apartment in Islandbridge, Dublin last night.

Three units of Dublin Fire Brigade and one ambulance attended the science and the blaze was quickly brought under control. There were no reports of injuries.

Dublin Fire Brigade later posted images of the scene to Twitter with a warning to consumers to be vigilant of the dangers of unattended gadgets.

“Everyone knows the rules of basic fire safety and indeed many look out for safety standards, such as the CE Mark, when buying electrical products. However, although the device may be manufactured to the correct safety standards, it can still become very dangerous, very quickly, if not used in the appropriate environment,” said Pat Bracken, NSAI’s director of corporate services.

“Electrical products like hair straighteners, hairdryers, laptops and phone chargers can be incredibly dangerous if left on beds or sofas. Although duvets and quilts often undergo flammability tests, accidents like this can still occur.”

Between 2005 and 2014, there have been 326 fatal fires in Ireland, claiming the lives of 366 people. In the 158 instances where the cause of the fire was known, electrical appliances were suspected in 28 fatal fires (18% of cases) while a further 3% of fatal fires were attributed to electric blankets. In 2011 alone, 241 fires in Ireland were caused by electrical equipment.

The NSAI is reminding consumers to make sure they have a smoke alarm on every floor of their building, to test them once a week, be aware of any fire dangers like overloaded sockets or naked flames and to plan an escape route in the event of a fire, keeping access routes clear and having keys at the ready.

TechCentral Reporters

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