Electric blanket blamed for blaze

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Investigators have concluded that a huge blaze at a converted stately home in Dorset was caused by an electric blanket which had been left unattended.

Grade II-listed Holnest Park House near Sherborne dates back to the Georgian period but has been divided up into seven individual luxury flats in recent years.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said 12 engines and 60 firefighters attended the scene, and the "very large and well-developed fire" spread throughout the central part of the three-section building.

Two flats were substantially damaged, although both residents were out at the time, and the service believes an electric blanket which had been left on for "some hours" in the ground floor flat was the cause.

Fire Investigation officer Mike Cox said: "In this case the blanket was left on without a thermostat so acted as an unmonitored heating device which continued to heat until it caught fire.

"Any damage to such devices should be noted and the blankets replaced. Never use an electric blanket which has bare wires showing or signs of wear."

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