CARELESSNESS with heating appliances in cold weather could kill ...

that is the stark message from Strathclyde fire bosses.

With Scotland in the grip of a cold snap, fire chiefs warned householders to beware of leaving fan heaters unattended.

Last year 104 homes in Strathclyde suffered fires caused by heating equipment with 23 people injured.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) said: "We are asking everyone to keep warm safely.

"Portable heaters that are not used or sited properly may pose a particular risk.

"Often they are placed too close to soft furnishings like beds or sofas, with potentially fatal consequences."

Fire bosses said portable heaters pose a significant risk with people leaving them on next to beds before falling asleep.

Electric blankets and candles can also pose a serious fire risk.

Last year, electric blankets caused three house fires.

Safety experts said to make sure any electric blanket is free from damage, such as: fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed wires, creasing or soiling.

Candles also caused fires at 77 homes in Strathclyde last year - with 30 people hurt.

Three years ago a flat in Gray Street, Kelvingrove, was burnt out when a candle was left on a window ledge.

As reported in the Evening Times, brave Steven Dowd, who was on his way home from a gig, spotted the flames and ran inside to warn residents.

Every year around 200 house fires are caused by portable heaters, candles and electric blankets with 100 people injured.

SFR is also appealing to communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable elderly relatives, friends or neighbours.

A free home fire safety visit is easy to arrange by calling any local fire station.

Mr Ramsay added: "Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm.

"Modern standards call for an extra smoke detector in the living room, and a heat alarm in the kitchen too.

"An alarm will give you, and your family, vital, life saving minutes to escape safely.

"We will supply and fit alarms free of charge for any Strathclyde resident, as required."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk

CARELESSNESS with heating appliances in cold weather could kill ... that is the stark message from Strathclyde fire bosses.

With Scotland in the grip of a cold snap, fire chiefs warned householders to beware of leaving fan heaters unattended.

Last year 104 homes in Strathclyde suffered fires caused by heating equipment with 23 people injured.

Assistant Chief Officer Lewis Ramsay of Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) said: "We are asking everyone to keep warm safely.

"Portable heaters that are not used or sited properly may pose a particular risk.

"Often they are placed too close to soft furnishings like beds or sofas, with potentially fatal consequences."

Fire bosses said portable heaters pose a significant risk with people leaving them on next to beds before falling asleep.

Electric blankets and candles can also pose a serious fire risk.

Last year, electric blankets caused three house fires.

Safety experts said to make sure any electric blanket is free from damage, such as: fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed wires, creasing or soiling.

Candles also caused fires at 77 homes in Strathclyde last year - with 30 people hurt.

Three years ago a flat in Gray Street, Kelvingrove, was burnt out when a candle was left on a window ledge.

As reported in the Evening Times, brave Steven Dowd, who was on his way home from a gig, spotted the flames and ran inside to warn residents.

Every year around 200 house fires are caused by portable heaters, candles and electric blankets with 100 people injured.

SFR is also appealing to communities to keep an eye out for vulnerable elderly relatives, friends or neighbours.

A free home fire safety visit is easy to arrange by calling any local fire station.

Mr Ramsay added: "Every home should have at least one working smoke alarm.

"Modern standards call for an extra smoke detector in the living room, and a heat alarm in the kitchen too.

"An alarm will give you, and your family, vital, life saving minutes to escape safely.

"We will supply and fit alarms free of charge for any Strathclyde resident, as required."

catriona.stewart@ eveningtimes.co.uk