Lithium battery aging or faults can cause fires in laptops, mobile phones and other devices. Ensure the correct charger is used and that there is adequate ventilation. When charging devices with large batteries always consider the safety aspects of the location where you charge.
Make sure ventilation holes are clear (in this instance the laptop was on a sofa - the cloth can be seen burned in to the plastic of the laptop.
Always use the correct charger - just because it fits, it may not be safe. Voltage and current ratings must be checked. A poorly fitting or damaged power connector can become hot, or cause damage to circuitry, increasing the risk of a thermal issue.
If you are charging a device unattended, especially a larger device such as an electric bike, always consider the location. If the worst happens, and there is a fire, can you safely leave the premises. Lithium fires can be extremely hard to extinguish - throwing water on it may not make any difference due to the intense heat.
If you replace a battery in a device, ensure the battery is of a good brand, and has approval ratings, and is fitted by a competent technician. Again, just because it fits it may not be safe. Many laptop batteries, even with the same model number, may have different voltage and current ratings. At Computer Solutions we always recommend genuine, original manufacturer batteries, or high quality 3rd party batteries sold through our authorised suppliers.