Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Cardrew Close, Redruth at 29/02/2004 16:21

One appliance from Redruth, one appliance from Perranporth, who were providing fire cover from Camborne and one appliance from Truro attended following an abandoned call. On arrival smoke was seen issuing from a house and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hosereel to extinguish towels and clothing, that had been placed on an electric heater.

General Advice:
Heaters
Make sure you don't sit too close to the heater to keep warm. You could easily set light to your clothes or your chair, particularly if you fall asleep.

Heaters should always stand in a safe place where they can't be knocked over and where they can't be tripped over. They should be kept well away from furniture and soft furnishings, such as curtains and cushions. Do not position heaters where objects may fall onto them.

Portable heaters should never be placed close to beds or used to dry clothes.

As with open fires, make sure that all heaters are correctly guarded. If you have young children at home, make sure you use an all-enclosed guard with your heater as well.

If you would like free advice on electrical safety, contact our freephone community fire safety helpline on 0800 3581 999.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire/fsafety/fs01e.htm