A FAULTY electric blanket sparked a house fire last night.

Firefighters were called to Bridge Field Street, Radcliffe, at 9.30pm, after the blanket set alight in an upstairs bedroom, destroying the mattress and bedding.

Crews from Farnworth and Whitefield were called to the address as the pensioner who lived in the house was waiting outside.

Fortunately he was not injured.

Watch Manager at Whitefield Fire Station, Tim Eaton said: “There was acrid smoke in the house and the man did the right thing by getting out of the property and waiting for us.

“The fire was caused by a faulty electric blanket. I don’t know how old the blanket was but anyone using an electric blanket should always check for the British Standard Kitemark.

“While on the scene we also fitted three smoke alarms as the ones fitted in the house were not working.

“We carry out safe and well visits and as part of that we do fit smoke alarms, it is a free service.”

Firefighters used a special fan to clear the property of smoke.

They were on the scene for one-and-half hours.