Gadgets and devices caused a fire in the Vitebsk region

A fire report in one of the high-rise buildings on Leningradskaya Street was received by rescuers on February 5 at 8:07 AM.

Upon arrival at the scene, the MES units observed open burning of an apartment on the second floor of a ten-story apartment building. The owner of the apartment and her daughter left the burning apartment on their own, even before the rescuers arrived. However, their neighbors from the third floor could not leave their apartment without the help of MES workers.

Through the window, using a three-section ladder, the woman handed her 11-month-old son to the rescuers, who were immediately taken to a safe place. The rescuers led the woman herself, along with her 12-year-old son, out into the fresh air. As a result of the fire, property was damaged in the burning apartment, and the walls and ceiling were smoked. Most likely, the fire occurred due to a steam generator (electronic cigarette) that was charging in the electrical network.

On January 30, 2024, a woman and her young daughter became patients of the burn department of the State Healthcare Institution "Vitebsk Regional Clinical Hospital". The victim said that in the evening she and her daughter went to bed, taking their phone with them, which was connected to a power bank. After some time, it spontaneously ignited. The woman dealt with the fire on her own, and in the morning she sought medical help.

The MES reminds of the basic requirements of fire safety rules for the operation of electrical networks and electrical equipment:

- before operating electrical appliances, carefully study the operating instructions and strictly follow them;

- use only serviceable electrical appliances;

- do not overload the electrical network and overheat electrical appliances;

- after using the electrical appliance, disconnect it from the electrical network. Do not leave mobile phone chargers and other gadgets and devices plugged in unattended;

- install heating appliances on non-combustible bases or stands;

- install protective devices of factory production only.

If an electrical appliance catches fire:

- quickly de-energize the electrical appliance (unplug it or completely de-energize the room);

- cover the electrical appliance with a dense, heavy cloth to cut off oxygen supply;

- if you could not extinguish the fire on your own, and the fire has spread beyond the casing of the electrical appliance – report the fire by calling 101 or 112 and evacuate the premises immediately;

- remember that the smoke emitted during the combustion of an electrical appliance is very toxic – protect your respiratory organs with a scarf or sleeve;

- when leaving, close the windows and door tightly to prevent the spread of fire;

- notify your neighbors;