OAP escapes as bed-warming wheat bag catches fire

The pensioner was woken by a smoke alarm and managed to take the bag to the bathroom and put it out with water before making her way downstairs at her home in Conisbrough.

She was treated for smoke inhalation by an ambulance crew, but did not need hospital treatment.

Edlington and Doncaster firefighters found the house smoke-logged, but the only damage was to scorched bedding.

A South Yorkshire Fire Service spokesman said: “Firefighters are urging people to ensure their elderly friends and relatives have working smoke alarms fitted.

“With autumn on its way, they are also warning people to check electric blankets before their first use of the year.”