California Woman Hospitalized After Portable Charger Explodes in Bed
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A Los Angeles woman is recovering after a portable charger exploded while she was sleeping, causing chemical burns and a fire that damaged her mattress and forced her to evacuate her home. Ashley Nevel, a local sports reporter, shared her harrowing experience to warn others about the potential dangers of portable charging devices.
Nevel recounted that the incident occurred early in the morning when her portable charger, plugged in and charging in bed, suddenly caught fire. The explosion produced intense heat and flames, burning a hole through her mattress and leaving her with chemical burns on her arm and hair. Unable to extinguish the blaze herself, Nevel screamed from her balcony to alert neighbors, who promptly called 911 for emergency assistance.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, helping to contain the fire and provide medical care. Nevel credits an emergency fire blanket, a gift from her father, with saving her life by helping her smother the flames before they could spread further. “Stop using portable chargers,” she urged in a video posted on social media. “I smell like smoke. My entire apartment needs to be cleaned to get the toxicity out. I can’t even stay there. It’s really bad.”
This incident highlights growing concerns over the safety of portable electronic devices. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has previously issued warnings about lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and ignite if damaged or improperly manufactured. Portable chargers, commonly used to recharge smartphones and other devices on the go, contain these batteries and pose risks if not used according to manufacturer guidelines.
Experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) emphasize the importance of charging devices on hard, flat surfaces and avoiding charging while sleeping or unattended. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) also recommends keeping fire extinguishers and fire blankets accessible in homes to quickly address small fires.
Nevel’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for consumers relying on portable chargers. She urges others to reconsider their use and to prepare for emergencies with safety equipment. “Make sure you have a fire blanket handy because it honestly saved my life,” she said.
As portable electronic devices become increasingly ubiquitous, incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance and adherence to safety recommendations. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) continues to educate the public on fire prevention measures, including those related to household electronics.
Consumers are encouraged to purchase chargers from reputable manufacturers, avoid charging devices on beds or couches, and monitor devices while charging to reduce the risk of fire. In the wake of Nevel’s ordeal, safety advocates hope more users will heed these warnings to prevent similar tragedies.
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