Mobile phone app to track sleep ‘fire hazard’

MOBILE phone apps that track sleep could increase the risk of house fires by encouraging users to place their phones under their pillows, experts have said.

Fire officers and phone companies warn that mobiles should never be left covered as the battery can overheat and ignite. The risks are heightened when a phone is being charged.

The warning comes as apps that monitor sleep and movement at night are becoming increasingly popular. The apps tend to drain mobile phone batteries and many users report having to leave them charging throughout the night.

A number of apps encourage users to place their phones on the bed next to them while they sleep.

But a spokesman for the London Fire Brigade said: “It’s dangerous to charge your phone under your pillow as it could overheat and set bedding alight.

“Unplugging appliances and chargers when you are not using them or when you go to bed helps reduce the risk of fire.”

Investigators warned about the dangers of leaving a phone on charge near flammable materials after an inquest this month into the death of James Spratling, 41, at his home in Guildford, Surrey.

Mr Spratling, a chef, died after his phone caused a fire, releasing toxic fumes, while it was on charge.

Christopher Sutton-Mattocks, Surrey’s assistant coroner, said: “There is a real danger if a phone is left on charge, for instance overnight, with flammable materials either over the top or underneath.

“I suspect the general public is not sufficiently aware of this potential danger.”

Bryn Strudwick, a fire investigator from Surrey Fire and Rescue, also said it was important to ensure phones are charged on a flat surface, away from combustible materials.