Fatal house fire started by microwaveable wheat bag

People are being urged to follow safety advice when using microwavable products to keep warm

A house fire that killed a man in his 80s was started by a microwavable wheat bag, the fire service has said.

Firefighters were called to a property on Marston Drive, Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy county, at about 08:35 GMT on 6 December and one person was found dead in a bedroom.

The cause of the fire has been confirmed as involving a microwaveable wheat bag that had been placed under bedding.

Paul Kay, head of fire safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, issued an appeal to residents to “look after each other this Christmas”.

Mr Kay said: "My deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of the gentleman who passed away in this tragic incident last week.

"The cause of the fire appears to be a microwaveable wheat bag which had been placed under the bedclothes on the gentleman’s bed."

He said these bags were usually used to provide heat to painful areas on the body and often have an aromatic smell.

“What we have to remember is that a product that absorbs and stores heat in this way is a potential fire risk if not used properly," he added,

"If a wheat bag is insulated after heating, for example under bedclothes, it may ignite."

He said the man did not have smoke alarms in his home and urged people to ensure all vulnerable friends and family had them fitted.

How can I safely use microwavable wheat bags?

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offered the following guidance when using these microwave-heated items:

• Buy wheat bags that include a British Safety Standard/CE/UKCA symbol

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions

• Never overheat the bag and do not reheat it until it has completely cooled, which may take up to two hours

• Leave them to cool in a safe area and on a non-combustible surface, like a kitchen sink, before putting them away

• Never use a wheat bag as a bed-warmer