Fire at Apartment in Bucheon, Gyeonggi
Electric Blanket Under Latex Mattress Caused Fire
Electric Blanket Fire Accidents Increasing Annually
With a series of fire incidents related to electric heating pads during winter, caution is being urged. Recently, in an apartment in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, a fire broke out due to overheating after leaving an electric heating pad on while going out, causing about 30 neighboring residents to evacuate in a commotion.
Fire breaks out after leaving electric heating pad on while going out... 32 neighbors evacuate
An electric heating pad burned due to overheating in an apartment in Wonmi-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do on the 21st. [Image provided by Bucheon Fire Station]
The Bucheon Fire Department in Gyeonggi announced that a fire occurred on the 3rd floor of a 9-story apartment in Simgok-dong, Wonmi-gu, at around 6:15 a.m. on the 21st. A resident living on the 4th floor of the apartment discovered smoke while throwing out trash and returning home, and reported to 119 saying, "There is a burning rubber smell." Fortunately, there were no casualties. However, the electric heating pad and mattress inside the 3rd-floor apartment were burned, causing property damage estimated at about 3 million KRW (according to the fire department), and 32 neighboring residents were startled and had to evacuate.
The fire authorities, responding to the report, deployed 42 firefighters and 14 vehicles including pump trucks, extinguishing the fire within 22 minutes. The fire department is investigating further, believing that heat accumulated in the latex mattress while the electric heating pad was left on caused the fire. A fire department official said, "When we arrived at the scene, the resident of the 3rd floor was out," and added, "It is presumed to be a fire caused by overheating."
This is not the first fire caused by an electric heating pad. On the 15th, a fire caused by an overload of an electric heating pad occurred in a detached house in Samae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk Province. As a result, Mr. A, in his 60s, was found dead inside the master bedroom of the house. The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident, considering carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
Electric heating pads should not be used with latex bedding
Fire incidents caused by electric heating pads, considered essential items during winter, continue to increase. According to data released by the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, the number of fire cases involving electric heating devices (such as electric heating pads and cushions) over the past three years showed an increasing trend: ▲179 cases in 2021 ▲242 cases in 2022 ▲257 cases in 2023.
Electric heating pad fire accidents frequently occur due to failure to follow usage precautions, such as placing an electric mat on top of a latex mattress, which is vulnerable to high heat. Also, when not in use, fires can occur due to damage at the folded parts of heating wires when electric mats are stored folded for long periods.
To prevent fire accidents caused by electric heating pads, it is essential to learn and use them safely. First, before purchasing electric heating devices such as electric heating pads or cushions, always check if they have safety certification (KC mark). Also, if there are any damaged parts during use, it is safer to repair or replace them. Before using electric products, check for any damage to temperature controllers, switches, and other components as well.
Additionally, electric heating pads should not be used together with latex bedding. Prolonged use can cause heat to accumulate in the latex, leading to fire. Care is also needed when storing electric heating pads. It is dangerous to place heavy objects on them or store them in damp places. Storing them in a bent state also poses a fire risk and should be avoided.
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