26/12/2025
🚨 INCIDENT OVERNIGHT: BOXING DAY HOUSE FIRE 🚨
White Watch have just returned from a house fire in Nuneaton with crews from Bedworth Fire Station, during the early hours of this morning.
We were called to a property where a device was left on charge in a child’s bedroom and caught fire. The fire was caused by "daisy chaining"—plugging one extension lead into another. This overloaded the circuit, causing the lithium-ion battery in the device to fail and ignite, filling the bedroom with thick, toxic smoke.
The family were extremely lucky to wake up. The fire caused damage to the carpet.
Checks were made by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation.
Why This Is So Dangerous
Daisy Chaining: Plugging extension leads into each other is a major fire risk. They are not designed to handle the combined load and can overheat rapidly, leading to a fire behind furniture or near bedding.
The "Silent Killer": Most people don't realize that it only takes a few mouthfuls of smoke to render a person unconscious. In a sleeping household, this happens before you even have a chance to wake up.
Our Advice to You
✅ NEVER daisy chain extension leads. If you need more sockets, use a single, fused multi-plug bar.
✅ NEVER charge devices overnight or while you are out of the house.
✅ ALWAYS charge devices on a hard, flat surface (not on carpets or beds).
✅ TEST your smoke alarms weekly.
The family involved tonight were incredibly lucky to escape. Please, take five minutes today to check your chargers and extension leads. Don't let a Christmas gift turn into a disaster.
Stay safe, Nuneaton.
Apply for a fire crew to come and do a safe and well check at your home.
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fire-safety-home-1/apply-safe-well-visit
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