POTSDAM — A portable phone charger caught fire while charging on a bed Nov. 14, causing damage to an apartment at 43 Market St., according to Lt. Sam Allen.

Potsdam Fire was dispatched to the apartment at 11:58 p.m. after a fire alarm, Allen said. Upon arrival, Potsdam police advised firefighters that a small fire had occurred.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and determined that a portable battery charger had caught fire while on a bed, he said. The resident was sleeping next to the charger and pushed it onto the floor after waking up to the fire.

Although the fire was extinguished, the battery and its contents remained above 200 degrees, burning through the apartment's carpet, Allen said.

Potsdam Rescue reportedly evaluated the resident for a burn, but the person declined transport to the hospital.

Allen said the incident serves as a reminder to charge electronic devices on solid surfaces and away from sleeping areas. Chargers should not be placed on or under beds or other soft surfaces, which can trap heat. He also recommended using certified charging equipment to reduce the risk of fires.