In Truskavets, in the night from Friday to Saturday, a fatal fire broke out in one of the blocks of flats on Sahaydachnoho Street. As a result of the blaze in the flat, an 84-year-old man, born in 1942, died.
According to the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Lviv region, the fire alarm was received on 27 June at 02:35. Firefighters and an ambulance crew were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters carried the casualty out of the burning flat, and paramedics carried out resuscitation, but they were unable to save the man.
According to preliminary information announced at the weekly staff meeting in Truskavets City Council, the likely cause of the fire was a mobile phone charger that overheated and began to melt, after which household items caught fire. The fire covered an area of about 15 sq m.
The fire was contained at 02:59 and fully extinguished at 03:10. No other casualties have been reported.
In the wake of this tragedy, rescuers are reminding the public of the need to strictly follow the rules for the safe use of chargers and electrical appliances. First and foremost, they recommend using only original or certified chargers, as cheap, poor-quality alternatives can overheat, damage the battery and cause a short circuit.
Before use, the cable and power adapter should be inspected: if there is damaged insulation, exposed wires, cracks in the casing or a loose plug, such a device must not be used. While charging, the device should not be covered with a pillow, blanket or clothing, as it heats up and needs free access to air.
Chargers must not be used in damp or wet places, as water increases the risk of electric shock and short circuits. Chargers should only be plugged into sockets that are in good working order, do not spark, do not heat up and hold the plug securely. Once charging is complete, the device should be unplugged from the mains to reduce risks during power surges.
Experts advise not pulling on the cable when unplugging, but holding the body of the plug or connector. You must not use your phone in the bath or shower, even if it is connected to the mains via a long cable, as this is dangerous.
Chargers should not be left near flammable materials such as paper, curtains or bedding. If there is significant overheating, a smell of burning or unusual noises, the charger must be switched off at the socket immediately and replaced.
As for overnight charging, experts stress that modern smartphones have protection systems that, once the battery reaches 100%, reduce or stop the current supply. Overnight charging is generally safe, provided a quality charger is used, the phone is placed on a hard, well-ventilated surface, and the cable and power adapter are undamaged.
If an extension lead is used, it must not be overloaded with powerful appliances or used if there is visible damage. When an extension lead is coiled on a reel and used to power high-wattage devices, it should be fully uncoiled to avoid overheating.
Rescuers emphasise that following basic electrical safety rules significantly reduces the risk of devices overheating, electric shock and fires in homes.