Tuesday 4 December 2007
23.05 Worcester Road, Clifton, Bristol

Fire crews have praised the actions of students and staff at school boarding accommodation, following a small fire in a bedroom.

Appliances were called to the four storey building, used as accommodation for 58 staff and students at Clifton College school. On arrival firefighters were informed that all persons had been accounted for and had been evacuated from the building. Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found a small fire in a fourth floor bedroom, caused by a faulty electric blanket. One high pressure hose reel was used to extinguish the fire which caused heavy smoke logging and minor fire damage to the dormitory. Three people were also given oxygen therapy at the scene after suffering the effects of shock.

The officer in charge of the incident has praised the actions of the student who discovered the fire and notified staff and in particular the actions of staff who ensured a swift evacuation of the property and provided an immediate roll call on arrival of firefighters.

Electric blanket safety

With the increased use of electric blankets over the winter months, Avon Fire & Rescue Service would recommend that the following basic safety advice is followed:

- Always buy new blanket - second hand blankets may not be safe.

- Have your blanket checked by an expert at least every three years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure it is still safe to use.

- Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully - and follow them.

- Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements.

- Never use the blanket if it's wet or creased.

- Never switch it on to dry out.

- Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together.

- Check the plug cord for any signs of wear or damage.

- Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in.

- Make sure the power is turned off at the wall and the blanket is unplugged if not in use.

- Always spread the blanket out - never use it folded.

- Keep the blanket stored carefully over the summer months - refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how best to do this.

- Most electric blankets are designed not to be washed - always check the manufacturer's instructions.