News Release

Issued: 02.04.09
At: 9 am
For immediate release

Firefighters Give Safety Advice Following Fire Caused by Faulty Electric Blanket

At 19:55 hrs on Tuesday 31 March 2009, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to a bungalow fire on Kilwardby Street in Ashby de la Zouch.

Firefighters from Ashby and Coalville Fire and Rescue Stations arrived at the scene to find the fire in the bedroom area of the property.

Firefighters entered the property wearing breathing apparatus and used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

The occupant had managed to escape the fire prior to our arrival and was given first aid by paramedics.

The fire was caused by a faulty thermostat on an electric blanket. There were no smoke alarms fitted in the bungalow at the time of the incident. LFRS have now fitted smoke alarms within the property.

John Webster, Community Safety Adviser, said:

‘The occupant of this property was very lucky to have escaped this fire unharmed. Please make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms and that it is maintained as they could save your life. I would like to give the following advice to people who use electric blankets:

Always store electric blankets flat or rolled up. Folding them can cause damage and increase the risk of fire.
Water and electricity don’t mix, so avoid getting an electric
blanket wet. If you do, wait until it is completely dry before using it again.
Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket
together.
Test electric blankets every three years.’

ENDS

Notes to News Desk

Interviews

John Webster, Community Safety Adviser, is available for interview about electric blanket safety advice. Please call on the number below to arrange.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Corporate Communications
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Tel 0116 287 2241