Residents are being warned to replace old electric blankets after a fire ripped through a bedroom in Chalfont St Peter last night due to a faulty electric blanket controller.

Firefighters from Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield raced to a house in Lambscroft Way at 10pm, using four sets of breathing apparatus, a hose reel jet, a thermal imaging camera and a PPV fan to tackle the fire and smoke that resulted after an electric blanket caught fire in the bedroom, which was destroyed.

Gerrards Cross watch commander Andrew Holtzhausen said the occupants were “very lucky” they were awake and downstairs when the incident happened, and that there were no smoke alarms in the property.

The occupants had switched their blanket on and left it to warm the bed while they were downstairs.

Mr Holtzhausen said: “Just before 10pm they heard a loud bang and went upstairs to investigate, but were met with smoke and so they dialled 999. When we arrived the entire first floor was smoke logged by a fully developed fire in the bedroom.

“Although the first floor of this property has been significantly damaged, we were able to deal with it quickly, rapidly deploying crew members in breathing apparatus to tackle the seat of the fire, while our colleagues from Beaconsfield were able to initiate positive pressure ventilation to clear the smoke and our working area.

“The prompt action taken by the occupants in calling us, and the responding crew, enabled us to quickly stop the fire developing further.

“There were no smoke alarms present in the property and if this incident had occurred when the occupants were sleeping we could have been faced with a horrible situation.

“As it was, we were able to initiate a home fire risk check once the initial fire was dealt with, and provide the residents with advice.

“This incident highlights a caution that electric blankets should be inspected before plugging in and switching on, if they are old or have not been used for a while. It is also important to have working smoke alarms in your home.”

Jo Cook, community safety and safeguarding manager, said: “The pictures showing what happened at this incident are a shocking reminder of how quickly an undetected fire can develop.

“Working smoke alarms can provide an early alert and should be fitted on every level of your home as a minimum.”

If you do not have any smoke alarms or your smoke alarms have stopped working, request a Home Fire Risk Check by calling 01296 744477 or email centraladmin@bucksfire.gov.uk.

The following advice has been issued by Bucks Fire about electric blankets:

  • It displays the old BEAB safety mark (pictured right – if it carries this mark it will be more than 10 years old and will not comply with the latest safety standard).
  • The fabric is worn or frayed.
  • There are scorch marks anywhere.
  • The tie-tapes (where originally fitted) are damaged or missing.
  • The flex is worn or damaged.
  • Any connections at the plug or controls are loose.
  • The heating wires have been damaged or displaced. To check, hold the blanket up to the light - the wires should be evenly spaced and not touch each other anywhere.
  • Or if you are in any doubt whatsoever

Good practice guidelines when choosing your blanket:

  • Always buy new. Second-hand blankets may not be safe.
  • Look out for a European Certification Mark, such as the new BEAB safety mark (below), on the blanket and packaging. This will mean it conforms to the latest European safety standard.