Crime & Safety

Laptop Fire Wakes Sleeping Teen In Hamden: Officials

Officials are reminding residents to properly charge electronics after responding to a laptop fire in a bedroom Tuesday night in Hamden.

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The Hamden Fire Department responded to a small fire involving a laptop on Tuesday night. (Hamden Fire Department)

HAMDEN, CT β€” A sleeping teenager was awakened by a laptop fire Tuesday night in Hamden, according to fire officials.

Officials said the cause of the fire was a laptop charger charging a spare battery pack.

β€œThe battery pack overheated due to thermal runaway resulting in the carpet starting to burn,” officials wrote in a post on the Hamden Fire Department’s Facebook page. β€œThermal runaway is a rapid, uncontrollable chain reaction caused by extreme heat, overcharging, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. The pack made a loud β€˜popping’ sound alerting the sleeping teenager to the fire.

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β€œTo prevent fire hazards, always use chargers and cables authorized by the manufacturer, never charge devices on soft surfaces like beds, sofas, or pillows, and avoid overnight charging. Inspect cords for damage, keep devices in well-ventilated areas, and unplug chargers when not in use to prevent overheating.”

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