One homeowner’s nightmare almost came true in 2019 when Jason Whitaker, living in Kentucky, discovered a hidden fire hazard inside his own home. It all started with a faint, unusual burning smell — the kind that hints at a potential electrical fire. Concerned, Jason searched every room carefully, trying to find the source.
Shocked and concerned, Jason immediately replaced all the bulbs in his home and shared a warning on Facebook: “These light bulbs will burn your house down… Please check yours.” The post quickly went viral, being shared over 430,000 times, as many others reported similar experiences with older spiral bulbs.
Experts confirmed that while compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are generally safe, dust, insects, or debris inside the fixture can lead to overheating and even fire hazards. Jason’s story is a crucial reminder: regularly inspect light fixtures, especially older spiral bulbs. A few minutes of careful checking can prevent serious damage or even save your home from disaster.