A freak electric blanket fire has sparked calls to be careful in cripplingly cold temperatures.

Kent's firefighters are reminding families and neighbours to be on high alert for vulnerable people as temperatures plummet again this week.

It comes after a series of fires at the weekend, include one where a woman in her 90s set fire to her electric blankets.

The homeowner, of Newcomen Road, Sheerness put a leaking hot water bottle on top of two electric blankets on Friday, causing the mattress to catch fire.

The following day, firefighters in breathing apparatus rescued a man and woman from their home in Station Road, Lydd after a fire broke out in their home just before 8pm.

Three fire engines from Lydd, New Romney and Dymchurch were called to the fire, which started when a pile of wood stored next to a stove caught light.
In the third incident, an elderly woman was rescued from her flat and treated for the smoke inhalation after a wheat bag, heating in a microwave oven, caught light.

Two crews from Margate and Westgate were sent to the incident in Beach Avenue, Birchington in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Director for Community Safety, Steve Griffiths said: "With the earliest onset of cold weather in almost 20 years, we've seen many people - in particular elderly residents - turning to additional heat sources including open fires, electric blankets and fan heaters.

"But as well as bringing extra heat they also bring extra risk as seen by these incidents. However, you can put the freeze on winter fires by following a few simple precautions that will keep you warm and safe.

Tips to keep you safe this winter


* Have electric blankets checked regularly by a qualified electrician - don't leave them switched on and never use them at the same time as a hot water bottle

* If you plan on using an open fire, make sure your chimney has been recently swept as the build up of soot and ash can cause chimney fires.

* Avoid storing items near your open fire or in the roof space close to your chimney

* When going to bed, make absolutely certain that any open fire is either out, or pushed back into the grate and a guard used to prevent sparks setting light to carpets or furniture.
* Buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions from the manufacturer, and follow them.
* Portable heaters should be dust-free and kept well away from anything that could catch fire.

* Fit a smoke alarm on every level of your home and check it regularly

* In the event of a fire never try to tackle the fire yourself, leave it to the professionals and get out, stay out and dial 999.