A DEVASTATING fire that wrecked a Bournemouth home was caused by an electrical heater, the fire service have confirmed.
Flames and smoke engulfed the house on Iford Lane, Bournemouth, spreading to each floor on January 15.
Firefighters found the building ‘well alight’ when they arrived at around 8.30pm that night.
Neighbours said they were woken by two men going door to door to alert people of the blaze.
No injuries were reported but the occupant was forced to sleep at his mother’s home after the fire tore through the house.
The property was extensively damaged with parts of the roof missing, windows smashed and the porch roof scorched.
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Following an investigation by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, it has been confirmed that the fire was caused by an electrical heater that had been left on.
The fire service is now stressing its seasonal warning of how to stay warm safely in the winter months.
Portable heaters should be placed at least one metre away from curtains, furniture or a clothes dryer and should always be unplugged before going to bed or leaving the property.
Electric heaters should be plugged into a wall socket and not an extension lead.
If using an old electric blanket, it should be checked thoroughly for any signs of wear and tear such as, worn or frayed fabric, scorch marks, wires poking through the material, or any damage to the flex.
Further fire safety information can be found on the DWFRS website.