HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – A fire Wednesday morning on Black Oak Lane was determined to be caused by a portable phone charger.

The Hopkinsville Fire Department shared that on the morning of Oct. 7, firefighters were alerted to a fire in the bedroom of a Hopkinsville home. The caller stated the outlet was smoking and they could see flames.

Phone charging bank causes fire. Oct. 7, 2026 (Contributed by Hopkinsville Fire Department)

Two stations were able to respond within four minutes and found a portable phone charging bank on fire on the nightstand next to a bed. Fire mitigation efforts were able to prevent the fire from spreading to other areas of the bedroom and house. The home was ventilated of toxic smoke as a precaution.

“This is a stark reminder to use only UL-approved devices, especially those that contain lithium-ion batteries,” said a statement from HFD. “When not using these devices, make sure they are unplugged. Never charge them unattended.”

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