In 2023, an Arizona middle school student nearly lost her life when her cellphone, charging overnight on her bed, ignited a dangerous fire.
Now, firefighters urge smartphone users to adopt safe charging habits to avoid similar risks.
A recent study shows that 62% of people charge their phones overnight, ensuring full battery life for the next day.
The Montgomery County Fire Department warns that this “very dangerous habit” should not be taken lightly. “No matter how much you LOVE your phone – please DON’T sleep with it!” the Maryland Fire Department shares in a tweet. “[Did you know] that your charger can start a fire? Never leave phones charging on a bed, under a pillow or on any flammable surface. (tell your [kids] who are always on their phones).”
One such case involved Arizona’s Faustina Feeley, a middle school student who had her charging phone in bed with her while she slept.
In May 2023, as she slept soundly, her peaceful rest was shattered by a terrifying sight. Just before 7 a.m., she awoke to find her bed engulfed in flames.
“I woke up and heard this like pop sound,” Faustina shared with 12 News, an NBC affiliate. “I looked down and I saw that there [were] flames.”
Realizing her bed was on fire, the young girl dashed out of her room, yelling for her parents.
⚠️VERY…DANGEROUS
No matter how much you LOVE your phone — please DON’T sleep with it!#DYK that your charger can start a fire? Never leave phones charging on a bed, under a pillow or on any flammable surface. (tell your #kids who are always on their phones). #firesafe @mcfrs pic.twitter.com/QIXLF8mwb0— MontgomeryCo(MD)Fire (@mcfrs) November 6, 2023
“I heard Faustina in the hallway say my bed [is] on fire!” recalled her father, Jim Feeley, who rushed to contain the spreading flames.
“You could see the mattress and how it just consumed the mattress,” Feeley added, noting that he was able to put out the blaze before anyone was harmed.
According to reports, Faustina had fallen asleep with her phone charging on the bed beside her.
“The case started melting,” she described, noting the damage to her phone. “It’s like ripped in half.”
Reflecting on the incident, Faustina advises, “Put it like somewhere away from your bed not by like any cloth material where they can catch on fire.”
Safe Charging Tips
Improper charging can create fire hazards if not handled carefully, but a few mindful steps can help prevent accidents and keep both you and your device safe:
1. Use quality chargers and cables: Stick to the charger that came with your phone, or choose certified replacements from reputable brands. Avoid cheap, off-brand chargers, which may lack essential safety features and could overheat, cause short circuits, or even start fires. Look for certifications like CE or UL to ensure safety compliance.
2. Avoid overnight charging: Although it may seem convenient, leaving your phone charging overnight can lead to overheating, especially if your device doesn’t have a “smart charging” feature. Try charging your phone during the day, and unplug it once it’s sufficiently powered.
3. Rest your device on a hard, flat surface: Avoid charging your phone on flammable materials like beds, sofas, or pillows, as these can trap heat and prevent proper cooling. For safe charging, place your phone on a hard, flat surface, such as a desk or table, with good airflow. This keeps your device cooler and minimizes the risk of overheating.
4. Regularly inspect your charging cable and port: Damaged or frayed charging cables are a common fire hazard. If you spot any wear or damage, replace the cable right away. Also, ensure your phone’s charging port is clean and free of debris for a secure, efficient connection.
5. Avoid using your phone while charging: Using your phone during charging puts extra strain on the battery and generates more heat. High-intensity activities like gaming or video streaming can increase this effect, potentially making the device dangerously hot. If possible, let your phone rest while it charges to reduce the risk of overheating.
