In Russia, daily incidents of fires linked to charging devices average between three and ten, according to official sources. A senior official from the Ministry of Emergencies, identified by the agency as Roman Okhotenko, who heads the information policy department, relayed these figures to TASS as part of a broader briefing on fire safety related to battery use and charging practices. The message from authorities is clear: charging moments can become dangerous if proper precautions are not followed, and this risk persists across various everyday devices.
Okhotenko explained that many fires are sparked by improper or uncontrolled charging of batteries and power sources. Among the devices he named were power banks, robot vacuum cleaners, and electric scooters, all of which have become common in urban and suburban households. The expert stressed that even familiar items can pose a serious danger when they are charging, left unattended, or subjected to faulty charging equipment or damaged cables. This underscores the need for careful charging habits and device maintenance as part of routine home safety checks.
“Between three and ten fires per day in Russia occur due to the burning of batteries while they are charging,” the official noted. This statistic, meant to illustrate the scale of the hazard, is paired with practical guidance aimed at reducing risk in homes across the country. The emphasis is on proactive steps that families can take to safeguard living spaces, especially in rooms where charging stations are clustered or where multiple devices are charged simultaneously. The takeaway is straightforward: never leave charging devices unattended, and be mindful of devices that may overheat or show signs of damage.
A representative from the Ministry of Emergencies urged residents to adopt safer charging routines and to set a positive example for younger generations. The recommendation includes not keeping devices plugged in overnight and ensuring that charging setups do not create clutter or obstruct airflow. By modeling disciplined behavior around technology use, adults can help children learn responsible habits that reduce the likelihood of fires. The guidance also points to the importance of using certified chargers and inspecting cords and adapters for wear and tear before use.
On the broader safety landscape, state figures indicate that the number of fires in residential buildings in Russia decreased significantly last year, with reported reductions reaching well into the thousands. Despite this progress, a substantial share of domestic fires continues to originate in homes and apartments. This pattern reinforces the message that home safety is not a one-off concern but an ongoing priority, requiring regular checks of electrical wiring, smoke detectors, and the devices we rely on each day. The Ministry’s data highlights the enduring risks that can accompany everyday technology, from small gadgets to larger household electrics, and the need for continued public awareness campaigns and practical safety measures that are easy to implement in daily life.
Bogatyreva, previously noted as an Apple technology expert, weighed in on the broader topic of device maintenance by addressing the economic realities of repairs. Her perspective underscores that the cost of servicing or replacing devices can be a consideration for households when weighing safety-related choices. This context helps readers understand that safety investments, such as replacing worn charging equipment or upgrading faulty devices, may also offer long-term value by reducing the risk of fires and related damage.