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Heater warning after Leeds blaze man dies LATEST
Firefighters have urged people to take extra care using electric heaters in the cold snap after a pensioner died following a flat blaze.
West Yorkshire Fire Service said the 85-year-old was rescued from an address in the Kirkstall area of Leeds after a fire broke out which is thought to have been caused by an electric heater left too close to a settee.
The man was taken to hospital after the rescue in Gilbert Close at about 10pm on Tuesday, February 7, but died later.
West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Fire Safety, Craig McIntosh, said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the man who sadly died.
“With the weather so cold, many people will be using portable heaters to keep warm. All we ask is that people are careful where they place them and that they are in good working order.
“This was a tragic incident which we desperately want to avoid happening again.”
Fire service advice includes:
* Always place portable heaters on a level surface to stop them falling over
* Keep portable heaters away from items that can catch fire, for example furniture and curtains
* Always ensure portable heaters are switched off in rooms that are not being used and before going to bed
* Never use portable heaters for drying clothes and do not cover air vents on both storage and fan heaters
* Do not use electrical items with frayed cables or leads and replace them as soon as possible
Mr McIntosh also urged people to check on elderly relatives of neighbours regularly during this particularly cold period.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
