September 13th 2024.
A family from Jarrahdale is sharing their tragic experience in hopes of warning others about the potential dangers of leaving electronic devices unattended while charging. The King family recently lost their home in a devastating house fire that was caused by an overheated iPad left charging on their bedside table.
Jarrod and Java King, along with their young daughter, were left with nothing but the clothes on their backs after the fire quickly spread throughout their house, located about 45km south-east of Perth. The family was shocked by how fast their possessions were destroyed, including their three-year-old daughter's beloved toys. Sadly, even their family cat did not survive.
In an interview with 9News, Mr. King expressed his disbelief and regret for taking the safety of leaving devices on charge for granted. "It's something you think is so normal and it can do so much damage," he said. The family had always thought they were being safe by using an Apple charger that came with the iPad and was only a year old.
However, firefighters warn that any device with lithium batteries, especially tablets and mobile phones, can potentially start a fire. Mark Hayes from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises against leaving any device on charge while not at home. He also discourages leaving phones charging in bedrooms overnight, suggesting instead to charge them in a location close to water, such as the kitchen.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be aware of the potential dangers of electronic devices, particularly those with lithium batteries. In Western Australia alone, there have been over 100 lithium ion battery fires this year, more than double the number in 2020. The King family's home is now just another statistic, something they never imagined would happen to them.
In the midst of this devastating loss, the family is grateful that their two dogs survived the fire. They have also started a fundraising campaign to help them rebuild their home and their lives. "It can happen so quickly, it's pretty scary stuff," Mr. King reflected. Their hope is that by sharing their story, they can prevent others from experiencing a similar tragedy. So remember, always be cautious when leaving devices on charge and never leave them unattended. It only takes a few hours for a disaster to strike.
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