Heater warning after man and dog die in house fire

Emergency services were called to Elizabeth Walk in Tipton on Sunday morning

West Midlands Fire Service has warned people about the dangers of portable heaters, after a man and a dog died in a severe blaze at a house in the Black Country.

The man, 79, was found by emergency services inside a dormer bungalow on Elizabeth Walk in Tipton just before 06:20 BST on Sunday.

About 50 firefighters tackled the blaze, which had damaged the ground floor and upper areas of the property.

The fire service said the fire started accidentally, involving items placed close to a halogen heater.

Fire investigators are now preparing a report for the coroner.

In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said its thoughts were with the man's family and loved ones.

It also warned those with portable heaters to:

• not place them where they block escape routes or could be easily knocked over

• switch them off and let them cool down before moving them

• only use them in rooms they are designed for, and never in bathrooms, or bedrooms if using portable gas heaters

• ensure they are not placed near flammable materials such as furniture, curtains and bedding

• buy products from recognised manufacturers and retailers, and register products in case of recalls