Electric blanket advice after bedroom fire
Crews have issued safety advice after an electric blanket caused a bedroom fire.
We were called to a two-storey house in Bull Lane, Rayleigh on Saturday (1 October) at 4.19pm.
Crews from Hawkwell and Leigh attended and found a fire in a first floor bedroom.
Firefighters, wearing Breathing Apparatus and using a hose and fan, fully extinguished the fire by 4.43pm.
A man, who had tried to put the fire out himself, was suffering from smoke inhalation. He had been helped out of the house by a member of the public before crews arrived.
Firefighters gave him first aid and stayed with him until paramedics arrived, at 5.33pm.
Crew Manager Rick Jones said: "We'd like to thank the member of the public who took the occupant to safety. If there's a fire in your home - get out, stay out and call 999 - never try and tackle the fire yourself.
"As the colder weather sets in, this incident also highlights the importance of making sure your electric blanket is in good working order and that you follow our safety advice."
Electric blanket advice
- Unplug your electric blanket before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use
- Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as your electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off
- Don’t leave your electric blanket folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead
- Inspect your blanket regularly for any damage or wear
