Community Safety Station Manager Allan Hobson and two images of plugs, submitted by Safety 1st PAT Testing, that have melted due to overheating when plugged unsafely into extension leads.
Phone chargers, portable heaters and extension leads.
You may switch on items like this in your home every day, but do you know how dangerous they can be if not used correctly?
This Electrical Fire Safety Week (February 3 to 9) firefighters in County Durham and Darlington are urging households to follow their important advice to help keep their family safe from fire.
It comes as latest figures from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) reveal that from April 2024 to January 2025, electrical fires made up 10% of all primary fires their crews attended.
Primary fires are those which occur in buildings, vehicles and outdoor structures.
This equates to a total of 83 incidents, 67 of which were caused by wiring, cables and plugs and 16 of which were caused by batteries.
A total of 49 of those incidents were caused by faulty electrical supply.
CDDFRS says this highlights the importance of ensuring that white goods, such as tumble dryers and washing machines, and other electrical products, are registered with manufacturers for warranty and recall information.
Community Safety Station Manager Allan Hobson said: “House fires caused by electrical goods can be devastating.
“To help prevent them, we would urge the public to please ensure all electrical equipment is well maintained and checked regularly for faults.
“Never charge electrical items overnight including phones, laptops, and other devices with lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes and mobility scooters.
“If you are plugging in devices, always use wall sockets first and only use extension leads when necessary.
“If you are using an extension lead, make sure they have individual switches and only buy from trusted suppliers.
“Never plug high-powered items, such as portable heaters, into extension leads.
“Ensure you keep devices plugged into extension leads to a minimum and never daisy chain them, as this increases the risk of overloading.
“I would also urge everyone to avoid using older ‘cube’ style adaptors, as they can be unsafe.
“By following these simple rules, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure your home is safe.”
If you live in a rented property, contact your landlord to resolve any electrical concerns.
Should your private landlord fail to address these issues, contact your local council for further support on the numbers below:
Durham – Selective Licensing: 03000 268 000.
Darlington – Private Landlord Team: 01325 405333.
To register your electrical appliances for free, visit: www.registermyappliance.org.uk
