NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — One mistake can turn your home into an inferno, and millions of people are doing it every night. Firefighters are saying that charging your iPhone under your pillow is one of the biggest fire risks, and it's putting thousands of households at risk every night. Accordin g to Clean Air UK, the combination of overheating lithium-ion batteries, poor ventilation, and flammable bedding is what creates the risk of electrical fires. "We are seeing more and more house fires caused by phones overheating under bedding," said a firefighter. "People assume their devices are safe, but trapping heat under a pillow can cause the battery to explode. By the time you realize what's happening, the fire has already spread." The batteries used in iPhones, tablets, and laptops store high amounts of energy in a compact space, and when they're covered, the heat is trapped and causes the battery to overheat, expand, and ignite. Firefighters are warning that these fires can start within minutes, and if it happens while you're sleeping, the flames can spread quickly before you even wake up. Improve your sleep quality with these 8 things CLean Air UK wants to warn people of the dangerous habit, but also of other charging mistakes that people are making, including: Using cheap, unbranded chargers Overloading plug sockets Leaving devices plugged in overnight Charging on soft surfaces Using damaged or frayed cables Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of electrical fires by following these tips: Never charge a device under a pillow or bedding Only use official or certified chargers Unplug devices when they're fully charged Check for heat or damage Install smoke alarms in bedrooms and charging areas While electrical fires are increasing, they are preventable, and a simple change in habits could be the difference between a peaceful night's sleep and a life-threatening fire. "Too many people ignore the risks of improper charging," said a spokesperson from Clean Air UK. "Something as simple as using the wrong charger or placing a phone on a soft surface can be life-threatening. Fire prevention starts with small but vital safety habits." Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less