He bought a phone battery and received a real “bomb”: after the fire, a Kedainiai resident wants to warn everyone

The explosion cost Kėdainiai dearly – he’s still struggling with the consequences

Although 86-year-old Bronislovas from Kidainiai has many years of experience as an electrician, even this didn’t protect him from an accident at home when the phone’s external battery caught fire. The fire at Kėdainiai’s house broke out on November 27 at 1 pm 20 minutes, but the effects of the fire, with the help of his son, are still being treated by the man.

“I bought a supposed bank in Germany, an extra battery to charge the phone when there is no electricity. I uploaded it once, the second time, I just see it downloading too soon. I guess I wasn’t very lucky here to buy. For the third time, I reduced the current and voltage, and let it charge on the second floor of the house. I had lunch and my wife listened fluff, such a noise that electricity was “emitted”. At that moment, a friend called me, we talked, I did not pay attention. Then that rechargeable battery went off, exploded and all my workshops started burning, ”Bronislaw recalls on the day of the disaster.

However, the man was careful and prepared for similar disasters beforehand. In the event of an accident, the sensors cut off the power and a handy 50-meter irrigation hose, connected to a water tap, was ready to put out the fires. Although the precautions prevented the fire from igniting throughout the house, Bronislaw still claims to have suffered heavy losses.

“The flames weren’t big, but everything was blackened by smoke in three rooms. The plaster fell from the heat, the walls were ripped off, half the clothes had to be thrown from the closets, the plastic appliances were damaged and the cables were burned. This fire has caused us many losses, ”says the Kėdainiai resident.

The proper preparation of K Ladainiai helped avoid the most painful consequences of the fire. The gentleman emphasizes that today we can find more electronic devices in everyone’s home than ever, which means that the risk of an accident may be greater. As a result, he shares tips to help respond to a fire hazard in a timely and appropriate manner.

“Today, electricity is used for everything: a computer, a television and many other devices. Our people need to be convinced that today’s electronics can do everything, so really every home should have a fire extinguisher. And it is not enough to buy it, it is very important that all family members know how to use it, where to turn it, how to connect it. The second thing, if possible, is to prepare water. And it is absolutely important to hang all the smoke, heat and gas sensors You don’t have to wait for someone to save you, and everything, first you have to take care of it yourself, “advises the former electrician.

Electrical failures are one of the most common causes of fires.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department, there were 2,258 fires in residential buildings last year, killing 80 people. According to Aurimas Gudžiauskas, head of the State Fire Supervision Organization Division of this department, the number of fires in residential buildings has remained similar for the last 4 years.

According to him, the most common causes of fires in residential buildings have been the same for many years:

1. Damage or failure in the installation and operation of stoves, fireplaces and fireplaces;

2. Failure or malfunction of electrical equipment and devices;

3. Careless human behavior.

“We note that fires in the residential sector claim the most lives. However, most of them get carried away each year by careless smoking. Last year there were 37 deaths of this type, ”says A. Gudžiauskas.

It indicates that the damages and losses caused by the fires are mainly influenced by the time of detection of the fire and the first actions of the population after the fire is noticed.

“A fire causes less damage if it is detected at an early stage. Fires usually start with a small enough ignition source, such as glowing candles or wires. Such a fire can be extinguished by the residents themselves, or the fire brigade can be called in time. However, if the fire is noticeable only when the house is burning in an open flame, it is not worth waiting for small losses, because the firefighters who have arrived in such cases only have to finish fighting the ruins of the house, ”he says. A. Gudžiauskas.

Warning: Leaving electrical appliances charging overnight is dangerous

The head of the State Fire Supervision Organization Department emphasizes that to minimize the risk of a possible fire, it is very important that residents take care of their living environment.

According to him, in order for the fire to be detected in time, autonomous smoke detectors must be installed in homes. These devices warn of a fire when it has not yet spread through the room.

When heating houses with stoves, attention should be paid to the condition of the stove and chimney, at least 1 meter away from the heating equipment to remove all flammable materials and objects, do not forget to clean the chimney.

It is important to pay attention to the electrical installation and the electrical appliances used so that they are in order and the cables are not damaged.

“Human behavior is no less important. We remind you that it is not possible to leave charging electrical devices: telephones, computers, electric scooters overnight. When going to bed or leaving the house, all appliances that are not necessary for its operation should be unplugged. Unfortunately, a part of the population still has the habit of smoking in bed: this is the shortest way to another world ”, warns A. Gudžiauskas.

According to him, those who noticed the fire should not panic and quickly assess the situation. If the fire is small, you can try to extinguish it with the available means: a thick cloth or water.

“Just keep in mind that water and electric grease shouldn’t be extinguished in the pan with water. We highly recommend having a fire extinguisher in your home that can actually effectively extinguish a fire that has started. If the electrical appliance catches fire, the power supply should be turned off, preferably the on / off switch so that the electricity is cut throughout the house. If the fire has spread, it is better not to take the risk and evacuate the building as soon as possible, warn other people of the fire and call the firefighters at the 112 rescue number as soon as possible, ”he points out.

Insurance companies also have to react: the damages amount up to 200 thousand euros

Andrius Žiukelis, head of the Expert Department of the insurance company BTA, says that the company counts more than 10 fires during which the house burns completely during the season and significantly more minor fires are recorded.

“The most common causes of fires are improperly installed or operated furnaces, solid fuel boilers, fireplaces. A messy electrical installation is also becoming a common cause of fires, ”he says.

According to data from the insurance company, the greatest damage reaches 200 thousand. euros. According to the interviewee, the amount of insurance damage depends on the construction of the house, age, the terms of the insurance contract, and other factors.

“Fire is a ruthless element, fires can destroy everything. In this case, the person is left without personal belongings, clothes, a roof over his head, with nothing. It is even more difficult when a family with small children suffers in this way ”, Says A. Žiukelis.

When asked how insurance can help residents in such cases, the head of BTA’s Department of Experts points out that victims receive accommodation and benefits.

“In case of fire, it is ensured that the affected people have the opportunity to stay in a hotel or rent another home. Well, the average compensation for fire damage is around € 7,000. The amount depends on the circumstances: the size of the house, the construction, the age and the terms of the insurance contract, ”said A. Žiukelis.