Electric blanket fire - March - Fenland

02 February 2010, 12.54am

At 12.54am this morning (2), two crews from March were called to a fire at a bungalow in Wake Road, March.

Firefighters arrived to find that there was no fire, but lots of smoke, caused by an electric blanket which had overheated.

Crews ventilated the property and called for an ambulance to give the female occupier a check up.

Crews returned to base by 2.17am.

The cause of the fire was accidental.

A fire service spokesperson said: "As the cold weather continues, some of us will be dusting off our electric blankets to keep us warm during the night.

"However, an electric blanket contains heating elements that can be dangerous if broken or allowed to overheat.

"Ensure that your blanket has a mechanism to cut the power if it begins to overheat.

"Also, ensure that you keep the blanket flat and dry at all times, take care if you must fold or roll it for storage and follow the manufacturers instructions at all times."

For further advice on electric blanket safety, contact your local fire station or log onto www.cambsfire.gov.uk