Electric blanket sparks bedroom fire in Winchester

Firefighters are urging residents to check their electric blankets for safety before use, as colder weather leads many to rely on them to stay warm.

The warning follows a bedroom fire in Oliver Battery, where an electric blanket was identified as the cause.

Crews from Winchester Fire Station attended the scene in the early hours of Saturday morning to extinguish the blaze.

An elderly resident received emergency medical care from firefighters at the scene before being transferred to the care of South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) paramedics.

If you use electric blankets at home, ensure the wires are in good condition, avoid overloading sockets, and regularly inspect your equipment for signs of wear and tear.

For more information about electrical safety click here.