Warning issued after spate of electric blanket fires

A spate of electric blanket fires have sparked a reminder from firefighters about looking after the devices properly this winter. Photo / File

A spate of electric blanket fires have sparked a reminder from firefighters about looking after the devices properly this winter.

A young Rotorua family with no insurance lost most of their possessions after an electric blanket caused a blaze on Monday.

Solo mother Michelle Edwards and her four children aged 14, 12, 10 and 8 escaped the fire at their property on Monday morning.

Rotorua fire brigade fire safety investigator Stuart Bootten said it was caused by an old electric blanket.

Fire Service specialist fire investigator Mike McEnaney said electric blankets were a common cause of fires this time of year.

Icy weather this winter, including an exceptionally cold snap in late June, had some Kiwis looking to warm up however possible.

With some models sold for as little as $30, the blankets could be a cheaper option than heaters.

He said a few basic measures could enhance safety for those using the blankets.

Sometimes frayed or kinked wires in blankets brought out of storage were a safety risk.

Mr McEnaney said people should roll up electric blankets, not fold them.

He said some people forgot to turn blankets off when they woke up, or left objects on top of the blankets which could ignite.

Mr McEnaney said he knew of times when baskets full of washing caused fires after being left on electric blankets.

If you notice your cat or dog suddenly leap off the bed, they may be about to catch fire from the electric blanket -- it sounds odd, but apparently does happen.

"Animals can do it too. If they lay in the one place for long enough, then it gets that hot...It's that constant heat in the one place," Mr McEnaney said.

Wheat bags were also a potential fire risk if not handled properly.

"Again, if people put them in the microwave, and they overheat them...they continue to heat up," Mr McEnaney said. "They don't just stop heating up when the person pulls it out of the microwave. And if it's covered, under a bed or under a blanket or pillow, then there's no airflow so it heats up."

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs said people should read and follow manufacturers' instructions and avoid over-heating wheat bags.

"The recommended maximum is three minutes for manufactured bags," the Ministry said on its website.

"Watch for an over-cooked odour, a smell of burning, smoking or charring. Do not use the bag if you observe any problems - contact the manufacturer."

Adding oils to wheat bags creates an added fire risk, the Ministry added, and people should not store wheat bags until they were cold.

• Anyone wanting to donate items to the Edwards family are asked to ring Rachel Edwards on (07) 346 1986.

Electric blanket safety tips:

• Always ensure it's laid straight on the bed.

• Make sure it is not underneath heavy items such as underlays, woollen duvets.

• Only use it to warm the bed, don't have it on all night.

• Replace it at least every three years.

• Get the electric blanket serviced by a professional once a year.