Lottery Store Office Chair
An office chair in a lottery store was ignited in a fire incident in Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Here is a detailed account of the event:
Cause of the Fire
The direct cause of the fire was a power bank that was left charging overnight after the store closed, without supervision. As a lithium-ion battery device, power banks can generate high temperatures or even open flames when overcharged, short-circuited, or internally faulty, especially during unattended nighttime charging scenarios, where the risk significantly increases.
Combustion Process
After the power bank malfunctioned and caught fire, the flames quickly ignited nearby combustible items, including office desks and chairs. Office chairs are typically made of flammable materials such as fabric and sponge, and their structures may contain gaps, making them highly susceptible to ignition and accelerating the spread of fire upon contact with a flame. Additionally, if office chairs are placed near power sources or heat sources, the risk of ignition further increases.
Consequences and Warnings of the Fire
The incident resulted in severe damage to items within the lottery store. Although no casualties were mentioned, it exposed safety hazards in the use of charging devices. The charging safety of lithium-ion battery devices (such as power banks) requires special attention:
- Avoid overcharging: Prolonged charging may cause battery overheating. Use chargers with overcharge protection and disconnect the power promptly after charging is complete.
- Prohibit unattended charging: Exercise extreme caution when charging devices at night or in unattended scenarios. It is recommended to place charging devices in open areas away from flammable materials.
- Choose qualified products: Use power banks and chargers that have passed safety certifications, and avoid purchasing inferior or unbranded products.
- Regularly inspect devices: If a power bank shows signs of bulging, leakage, or abnormal heating, stop using it immediately and replace it.
This fire also serves as a reminder for operators of public places to strengthen fire safety management, regularly inspect electrical wiring and equipment, ensure clear evacuation routes, and equip themselves with necessary firefighting equipment to reduce fire risks.
