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Faulty electric blanket sparked blaze

Faulty electric blanket sparked blaze

Faulty electric blanket sparked blaze

A woman was taken to hospital after a faulty electric blanket started a fire which completely destroyed her home. Three fire engines were called to the scene and when they arrived the fire had completely spread through the flat and smoke had made its way across the road.

A cordon was put in place and neighbouring flats were evacuated whilst crews tackled the blaze and searched for anybody trapped inside.

The occupant of the flat, a 47-year-old woman had managed to get out of the building before firefighters arrived but was suffering from smoke inhalation. The woman was alerted to the fire by her smoke alarm but hesitated to call 999 and as a result the flames began to spread.

Tony Morgan, from Hollins Fire Station, said: “When we arrived there were flames coming from the front and back windows and it was a well-developed fire.

“The bedroom was completely destroyed and the fire spread through the whole flat because all the doors were open - every part of the flat was damaged by either fire or smoke.”

The fire is said to have been caused by a faulty electric blanket and fire chiefs have now issued a warning about the devices.

Electric blanket fires are not as common as they used to be but it has been advised that you do not sleep with them switched on and if they are older than ten years it is best to replace them with an approved safe brand.

Councillor David Acton, Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “Please use electric blankets and other heating devices with caution - ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and, if in any doubt your blanket or heater is not working absolutely perfectly, do not use it at all.”