Safety warning issued after heater fires

Safety warning issued after spate of heater fires

Firefighters are asking residents to take care with electrical appliances after two house fires in one day caused by heaters.

On Friday 14 July, crews were called to Pryce Avenue, Wigan, at 8.41am and Count Street, Rochdale, at 2pm.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/111326/house-fire-on-count-street

On both occasions the fires are believed to have been started accidentally by portable heaters setting fire to furniture close by.

Fire investigators found that the tragic fire that killed a mother and her three children in Bolton on Saturday 8 July was also likely to have been caused by a heater that was accidentally switched on.

Officers from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police carried out a joint investigation in Rosamond Street and it is believed that the fire was caused accidentally by a halogen heater in the living room at the front of the house.

Chairman of the Fire Committee, Councillor David Acton, said: “GMFRS has seen a number of fire recently that appear to have been caused by heaters, including the terribly sad incident in Bolton.

“You can help to protect yourself and your family by ensuring you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and thinking about escape routes.

“Please ensure that you check electrical appliances, plugs and cables and that you don’t overload sockets. And if you have particular concerns about your safety, don’t hesitate to call GMFRS on 0800 555 815 to book a Safe and Well visit.”