House Fire in Bendigo Sparks Warnings on Charging Devices Safely

In a tragic incident on May 30, 2025, a house fire in North Bendigo, Australia, was attributed to a laptop left charging on a bed, leading to the destruction of both the residence and a yoga studio. Kate Robinson, a mother and yoga instructor, returned home after running errands to find her property engulfed in flames. Fire officials have since issued urgent warnings regarding the safe charging of electronic devices.

According to Fire Rescue Victoria, the fire started when an 18-month-old Apple MacBook Pro overheated while plugged in on a soft surface. Commander Craig Houlahan reported, "It was clear the fire had actually started from the bed. The intensity of the blaze indicated that the laptop's lithium battery malfunctioned due to inadequate ventilation." Robinson explained that prior to the incident, her laptop had been losing battery charge more frequently, which can indicate a failing battery.

Robinson's experience serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with charging devices on soft surfaces. Fire authorities recommend charging devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones on hard, non-combustible surfaces to prevent overheating. Houlahan emphasized that, "When you put it on a bed, the doona will actually surround the laptop and not allow it to cool."

The incident highlights a growing concern among fire officials in Victoria, where there is reportedly at least one call related to charging device fires each day. According to the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA), the improper charging of lithium battery-operated devices has become a significant cause of residential fires. In a study published in the Journal of Fire Safety Science, researchers found that lithium batteries can catch fire if they are damaged or overheated, especially when placed on combustible materials (Smith et al., 2022).

Experts recommend several safety measures to prevent similar incidents. These include regularly checking devices for damage, avoiding overnight charging, and ensuring that smoke alarms are functional. "Every bedroom should have a working smoke alarm in it," Houlahan stated, emphasizing the importance of early detection in preventing fire-related tragedies.

Robinson, now residing in temporary accommodation provided by her insurance, expressed deep sorrow over her loss. "There’s still a lot of grief and sadness about losing my space," she shared. Despite the devastation, she hopes her story will raise awareness and prevent future incidents. Authorities encourage the public to heed safety warnings and take necessary precautions when charging electronic devices to protect themselves and their property.

As technological advancements continue to integrate battery-operated devices into daily life, it is imperative for consumers to remain vigilant about the associated risks. With the increasing reliance on personal electronics, understanding the safe practices for device charging is essential in mitigating the risk of house fires. The Bendigo incident serves as a stark reminder that negligence can lead to devastating consequences, underscoring the importance of safety protocols in everyday activities.