UPDATED: The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have responded to the smell of burning at a property in Ryde this morning (Saturday).
1 appliance from Ryde and 1 from Newport were mobilised to the address on Lower Highland Road at around 11:10, alongside a duty officer.
The first crew – who arrived on scene within 8 minutes – have found the property’s smoke alarm sounding and concerned neighbours outside.
It has been confirmed to Island Echo that an electric heater is thought to have overheated, causing a burning smell. No fire has been identified though.
It is understood that the second fire appliance has been stood down en-route and a third appliance from Shanklin has been mobilised to standby at Newport.
Paramedics from the Isle of Wight Service have been called to the address as a precautionary measure to assess the elderly female occupant.
UPDATE @ 11:49 – Fire crews from Ryde, Newport and Shanklin have now returned to their stations.
Winter Safety Advice
Portable Heaters
• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes
• Always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed
• Try to secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over
• Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas. Heaters consume oxygen so you could suffocate if a room is not properly aired
Further information about keeping safe this winter can be found at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/winter-fire-safety-advice-issued-as-cold-weather-approaches/.
