TER 2014_01_04 Thistle Street Fire - 12

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is warning the public about the danger of leaving laptops charging unattended after one caught fire at a house in Falkirk.

Watch Manager Mike Fitches said: “The fire was caused by an overheated laptop which had been left charging.

“The fire has caused extensive damage to the bedroom and some damage to the first floor.  Thankfully no one was at home at the time of the fire and we were alerted by workmen who were outside another house in the area.

“This incident had the potential to be even more serious and we can’t stress enough how important it is to unplug any chargers before you go out.

Watch Manager Fitches added: “We would also urge everyone to ensure they have a working smoke alarm inside their property. We provide FREE home fire safety visits, including the fitting of smoke alarms where required.”

Join Scotland’s Fight Against Fire and request a home fire safety visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999 or visit the website at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.