Warning over electric blankets after house fire in Dublin

Fire brigade urges people to switch off devices and use in line with makers’ instructions

The aftermath of a fire in a bedroom   after an electric blanket took fire in a house in Esker, Lucan. Photograph: Dublin Fire Brigade/Twitter
The aftermath of a fire in a bedroom after an electric blanket took fire in a house in Esker, Lucan. Photograph: Dublin Fire Brigade/Twitter

Dublin Fire Brigade is warning of the dangers of electric blankets being left on too long after a house fire on Wednesday.

The brigade tweeted photographs of the aftermath of a fire believed to have been started by an electric blanket left switched on in Esker in Lucan.

The images show a fire-damaged bedroom and smoke billowing from a room at the front of the home.

Smoke  emerges from a house in Esker, Lucan, Dublin, after an electric blanket went on fire. Photograph. Dublin Fire Brigade/Twitter
Smoke emerges from a house in Esker, Lucan, Dublin, after an electric blanket went on fire. Photograph. Dublin Fire Brigade/Twitter

Emergency services were called to the residence at about 4pm, and three fire engines attended.

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The blaze was brought under control and no one was injured.

Regular checks

Electric blankets need to be checked regularly for wear and tear and used according to instructions, the fire brigade safety advice said.

Earlier this week the brigade highlighted the risk of fire if a person leaves a mobile phone under their pillow while sleeping.

The fire brigade warned people never to leave mobile phone chargers plugged in at night or when leaving the house.

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty

Rachel Flaherty is Digital Features Editor and journalist with The Irish Times