HIGHLAND — The chief of the Lone Peak Fire District has warned people to use extra care with battery chargers. Investigators believed the devices might have started two house fires in the last two weeks.
The first fire happened June 16 at a home along 9600 North in Highland. Chief Reed Thompson said a radio-controlled car battery pack was on the charger when a fire started in the house. The homeowner was able to get most of the flames out with a garden hose.
The second fire happened just after midnight on June 28 at a home on Sunset Hills Drive in Highland. Thompson said a large portable battery was plugged in when the fire started. The family was awakened by smoke detectors. Firefighters got the flames out in less than an hour.
In both cases, the homes had damage, but were not destroyed.
Investigators have not yet determined an exact cause, but were leaning toward the idea that the chargers may have started the fires.
“It was just unique over the last couple of weeks that we had two in a row here,” Thompson said.
Thompson said it didn’t appear the homeowners had done anything wrong, but it was an opportunity to get the word out to people who may be complacent with charging devices. The fire department shared pictures of the burned devices on their Facebook page.
“We just want people to be safe and be aware of some of the hazards that are out there,” he said.
Thompson said people should always make sure charging devices are in good shape.
“Are there frayed cords? Has something been damaged that shouldn’t be plugged in? Is there bulging on the battery itself? Does it look like it’s been damaged? Are there cracks? Anything associated with it not being in prime condition,” he said.
Thompson also said it was important to be sure you have good quality equipment.
“We do see occasionally knock-offs, or things that are cheaper that may not go through the testing standard as one that maybe costs a little bit more money,” he said. “I do think with cheaper devices and things like that, that you do run potentially a risk with that,”
Time of day makes a difference, too. Thompson advised against leaving devices plugged overnight.
“I would recommend if you’re going to leave something unattended that it’s during daytime hours rather than at night. In the second situation, the family was asleep and were alerted by the loud noise and the smoke alarms going off. They were fortunate to get out of their home safely.”
