Unusual Fire

About Tracking Phenomena

The tracking phenomenon occurs when dust or moisture accumulates between the electrodes, such as in the prongs of a plug, causing small sparks to repeatedly occur and leading to a short circuit between the electrodes. When a short circuit happens, flames can erupt violently, potentially igniting nearby items like curtains and causing a fire.
The tracking phenomenon can occur regardless of whether the device is in use, as long as the plug is inserted into the outlet. To prevent the tracking phenomenon, please pay attention to the following points.

• Occasionally unplug the plugs that are left inserted in outlets and power strips, and wipe them with a dry cloth.
• After using the equipment, turn off the switch and unplug it from the outlet.
• If the plug and cord are hot, stop using them immediately and have them checked at an electrical store.

Clothing Fire Safety

The phenomenon where clothing catches fire immediately from the flames of a gas stove, heater, or candles on a Buddhist altar is called clothing ignition.
With the spread of COVID-19, the use of disinfectant alcohol for hand sanitization has increased. Since disinfectant alcohol is highly flammable, if it seeps into clothing during hand sanitization, there is a risk of igniting the clothing. Let's be careful to avoid clothing ignition by paying attention to the following points.

• When handling fire, avoid wearing clothing with wide hems or sleeves as they are easily ignited. Especially when cooking, wear an apron that is treated to be flame-resistant.
• Do not place seasonings or other items behind the gas stove.
• After using the altar fire, do not leave it as is; extinguish it immediately.

In case of emergency

If your clothing catches fire, quickly extinguish it by removing it, patting it down, or pouring water on it.

About Contraction Fires

The phenomenon of sunlight being reflected or refracted by lenses or mirrors and converging at a single point is called the convergence phenomenon, and if there are flammable materials at that location, it can lead to a fire. To prevent convergence fires, please pay attention to the following.

• Do not place mirrors, vases, or other items that may cause a converging phenomenon in areas where sunlight enters, such as near windows.
• When going out, close the curtains to block out light.
• Be careful with bicycles, motorcycles, and water-filled plastic bottles outdoors.
• In the morning and evening, as well as during winter, the sun is low in the sky, making it easier for sunlight to penetrate deep into the room, so be careful.

About Lithium-ion Batteries

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries from smartphones, tablets, and mobile batteries are increasing. Please pay attention to the following to prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries.

• Do not apply external shocks such as falls.
• Do not use if you feel any abnormalities such as "swelling", "making sounds", or "smelling".
• Use equipment purchased or included items, and products specified by the manufacturer.