Laptop and phone chargers have been responsible for 19 fires in the last eight years in the Bath and Bristol area.
Fire chiefs have warned people to be careful about leaving such items plugged in after an inquest heard a blaze in Paulton which led to the death of a 63-year-old man was started by a phone charger.
Avon Fire and Rescue Service station manager, Mark Webb, said: "Our advice would always be to unplug any electrical items which don't need to be left on, particularly at night. Although some chargers are designed to be left on overnight, some are not. All mobile phone chargers become hot during normal use. Unbranded chargers tend to be made with cheaper materials and may not have been subjected to stringent testing, which could increase the risk of fire.
"While it may be tempting to buy unbranded items as they tend to be cheaper, Avon Fire and Rescue Service would always recommend ensuring that they carry the European Safety mark CE."
The death of Chin Tiong Lian at his flat in Victoria Place last December was one of six across the country where mobile phone chargers have been the likely cause.
Mr Webb said: "We want to ensure there are no more fatalities."
The service's advice is:• Always use a genuine charger that is right for your product.• Do not over-charge your device. Once your item is fully charged, disconnect it and turn the charger off.• Never cover your charger when it is in use. Chargers heat up in normal use. It is possible that the build-up of heat can cause the covering material to catch fire.• Never use a charger if it shows any signs of damage or appears to not be working properly.
Additional advice on using electrical products safely can be provided as part of the service's home fire safety visits, where staff provide fire prevention advice in the home. More information can be found at www.avonfire.gov.uk.
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