Horror powerboard image triggers stark fire warning as authorities urge Aussies to stop one dangerous habit at home

A shocking photo of a scorched powerboard has triggered a fresh warning for Australians, with fire authorities saying one common household habit could end in disaster. As new smoke alarm laws edge closer and thousands of structure fires continue to be recorded each year, households are being urged to rethink the simple mistake that can cause a powerboard to overheat, melt and ignite. The Queensland Fire Department sounded the alarm in a social media post showing the charred remains of a powerboard, using the confronting image to warn people not to overload outlets or “piggyback” one powerboard into another. “This is your sign to not overload powerboards,” the department said. “Too many appliances plugged into one powerboard can cause it to overheat and start a fire. “Keep it simple – don’t piggyback powerboards and replace any damaged equipment. “The best fire is the one that never starts, but if it does, early warning matters. “That’s where interconnected smoke alarms come in.” The scorched powerboard. Source: Queensland Fire Department The warning quickly struck a nerve online, with followers flooding the comments to share their own concerns about overloaded boards, ageing equipm...