Electric blanket was the 'likely' cause of fire that killed 82-year-old

A faulty electric blanket was most likely to be the cause of a fire that killed an elderly woman. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have warned the public of electric blanket dangers following the serious fire at the home of Tryphena Williams. The woman’s 88-year-old husband managed to escape from the home but tried to re-enter the property to reach his wife but he was beaten back by the severe flames.

Terry Williams of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “A joint investigation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police has established that the most likely cause of this fire was a faulty electric blanket. "We are therefore stressing the importance of electric blanket safety. This elderly couple had been watching TV when they became aware of a fire on their property. They had switched on their electric blanket earlier that evening. Electric blankets should be tested annually by a qualified electrician and replaced if they fail to meet the standard required. We also advise residents not to use electric blankets over five years old and only use the devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important that electric blankets are stored correctly when they are not in use - folding the electric blankets can cause damage to the wires within. They should be stored flat or rolled up. Please don't leave an electric blanket switched on all night, unless it is thermostatically controlled and designed to be left on.”

Read more about electric blankets and prevention of electric blanket fires at: http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/electric-blankets