New fire danger warning

Bio-ethanol burners have prompted a safety plea after a fire in Rotherham which is believed to be the first of its kind in South Yorkshire.

Fuel from an ethanol burner at a house in Kimberworth Park is thought to have spat onto a wooden floor causing a small fire which then spread to a rug.

Although the fire on Watson Road last week was out when firefighters arrived, the female resident suffered burns to both hands after trying to tackle the fire herself and was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

Head of community safety Kevin Ronan, said: “This is the first fire I can think of in South Yorkshire that’s been caused by a bio-ethanol burner.

“Although the fire itself was small, the person needed hospital treatment and we are aware of more serious fires elsewhere in the country.

“Really, our advice is the same as for anything else where there is a naked flame — never leave them on unattended and keep them well away from anything which could catch fire.”

Bio-ethanol burners are a decorative heat source which come in a range of different sizes for both indoor and outdoor use.

A woman died following a fire which is thought to have involved an ethanol burner in Utoxeter in 2012.

A man also suffered burns following a similar fire in Lichfield in the same year.

Advice to people who use ethanol burners includes ensuring manufacturer's guidelines are followed and that the burner is kept away from children and pets.

Burners should only ever be used in a ventilated room and must be placed on a stable surface, away from anything which could catch fire.

Fire chiefs said it was particularly dangerous to try to refill the burners with fuel when they are switched on.

For more home fire safety information visit www.syfire.gov.uk