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A table-top water feature purchased from Temu to bring zen inside a wheelchair user’s home was close to bursting into flames, as officials warn of an increase in fires caused by cheap electronics.
More instances of faulty electronics from cut-price online retailer Temu have come to light after an investigation revealed that an Auckland house fire was caused by a cheap phone charger.
Hastings man Tony Richards said he awoke on Sunday morning to the smell of burning plastic.
He found his small tabletop water feature, which was purchased from Temu to help with his relaxation, smoking.
“It hadn’t caught fire yet but it was pretty darn close.”
Hastings man Tony Richards said he found his Temu water feature smoking and the outlet scorched. Photo / Tony Richards.
Richards was diagnosed with cancer last year which severed his spinal cord. He now permanently uses a wheelchair and said he hated to think what would happen if the device caught on fire in the night.
“Not only that, I am only on a sickness benefit, we haven’t got much, but the junk we have is ours.”
He said he wanted to warn others of the danger and would not be purchasing electronics from the site again.
A Temu spokesperson told the Herald: “We are deeply concerned to hear about what happened to Mr Richards. We urge Mr Richards to contact us directly so we can investigate the specific product more thoroughly and keep him updated on our progress.”
Increase in fires - Fire and Emergency
Risk reduction and investigations manager Peter Gallagher said Fire and Emergency was aware of an increase in fires caused by portable electrical devices.
“Often people purchase a cable because it’s cheap, and it’s useful to have a couple of backups around the house.
“However, even if the charger fits your device, it might not be compatible and could cause a device to charge too slowly, or overheat and start a fire.”
Gallagher said people should not charge devices under blankets or pillows, only on hard surfaces.
Gallagher also recommended charging devices near a smoke alarm in case something goes wrong.
‘Significant dangers’
WorkSafe New Zealand told the Herald there can be “significant dangers” buying electrical equipment online from overseas retailers, particularly if the products don’t comply with New Zealand’s safety standards.
“Many items sold on international platforms may not be designed for New Zealand’s voltage requirements [230V] or local plug configurations, leading to potential hazards like electrical shocks, fires, or equipment failures,” a spokesperson said.
“Counterfeit or substandard products are common online, often mimicking reputable brands while lacking the necessary quality and safety testing. Overseas sellers can also be less accountable, making it difficult to address issues such as faulty products or damages.
“Without proper safety certifications or installation instructions, consumers risk improper use, creating serious safety concerns for homes and workplaces.”
It comes after a Temu phone charger sparked a house fire on Auckland’s North Shore that significantly damaged a family home.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the cable was being used to recharge a phone and had been placed on soft material in a Greenhithe house when it overheated and caught fire.
A Temu charger sparked a house fire in Greenhithe in Auckland's North Shore.
Temu launched an investigation into the fire and told the Herald they were “deeply concerned” about the incident.
Layne Sparks, who lives at the Greenhithe house, said his partner was using a “green, flashing cord” bought from the Chinese-owned online retailer to charge her phone and left it between their bed and a pillow to protect it from their pet rabbit.
He said his partner heard the smoke alarm go off while outside and rushed back inside to check on their 1-year-old baby.
