Fire service issues a blanket fire warning

A WARNING was issued about faulty electric blankets following a fire in North East Fife.

Two people were rescued by firefighters in the early hours of yesterday morning during a blaze in their home in Pitlessie.

The f ire in a back bedroom at around 5am was caused by a malfunctioning blanket.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to enter the house in Burnside and extinguish the blaze while the occupants were given the all-clear by paramedics.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crew manager for community safety, John Dempsey, said: “Old and damaged electric blankets continue to be a major cause of fire in the home. Faulty blankets can overheat, malfunction and cause serious injury or death.

“Older people are at greatest risk, with six times the national average of fatal injuries and twice the national average of non-fatal injuries occurring within that age group.”

Testing sessions are held regularly in Fife by the service and Fife Council in a bid to reduce the number of fires caused by faulty blankets. More than half the blankets tested last year failed.

Forthcoming sessions are: today Tayside Institute Community Centre, Newburgh, 10am-2pm; October 30, East Neuk Centre, Anstruther, 10am-1pm; November 7, Bowhill Community Centre, Cardenden, 10am-noon, and Lochgelly Centre, 1-3pm.