Fire at flats in Chichester started by electric blanket

Emergency services reported to a fire in Baxendale Road, Chichester at 8pm on January 5.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service dispatched two fire crews to the scene.

Upon arrival firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and located a fire in a first-floor bedroom.

The fire was reportedly started by an electric blanket laid on top of a blow-up bed, causing the materials to overheat and ignite.

The walls blackened from the smoke (Image: WSFRS) The smoke damage to the bedroom was 90 per cent contained because the resident closed their bedroom door after hearing the smoke alarm.

They then safely evacuated the building, and firefighters were able to swiftly extinguish the fire, they said.

Anton Mezzone, station manager at Chichester, said: “The occupiers of this property perfectly followed every bit of safety advice we recommend in the event of a fire: firstly, they had working smoke alarms, they then closed the doors and swiftly left the property. By following this advice, the damage caused by this fire was kept to a minimum.

“We always recommend closing internal doors at night or when leaving the house, as this can prevent the spread of a fire and toxic fumes by up to 20 minutes.

“Not only does this incident highlight the importance of keeping doors closed, but it also raises awareness of keeping heating appliances away from flammable materials. While electric blankets don’t use naked flames, the risk of fire is still present.”