A CORONER is urging people to check the condition of their electric blankets following the tragic death of an elderly woman.

Carole Bridge, from Stanley, County Durham, died from carbon monoxide poisoning after her decades-old electric blanket overheated and caught fire in February this year.

The pink blanket, made by a company that was liquidised in 1980, was at least 36 years old, almost four times the maximum age recommended by the Electrical Safety Council.

The fact it pre-dated 2001 also meant it did not have a built-in shut-off mechanism which newer electric blankets must have to prevent overheating.

Police attended Miss Bridge’s home in Tweed Terrace on February 29 after concerned neighbours reported they had not seen her that day.

On breaking into the property, officers discovered the 75-year-old’s body and evidence of two small fires on her bed and on the upstairs landing.

Although the flames were out by this time, firefighters were called and an investigation was launched into the cause.

At an inquest at Crook Civic Centre today, fire investigator Stewart Thew, of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said he believed the fire broke out when Miss Bridge was out of the room waiting for her electric blanket to warm up.

He said the evidence suggested she had managed to put out the fire on her bed using a beaker of water. She then unplugged the electric blanket and threw it onto the landing, unaware its fibres were still smouldering.

“She was a frail lady in her seventies who had arthritis and was visually impaired,” said Mr Thew.

“It was obviously a panicked situation and she was disorientated because of the carbon monoxide in the air. The electrical elements within the blanket would have cooled down within seconds but I believe the fabric was still smouldering causing a second small fire.”

He added: “It is very difficult to identify the speed of the charring but the fire would have lasted for at least three hours. Small smouldering fires release large amounts of carbon monoxide.”

A post-mortem carried out shortly after Miss Bridge’s death confirmed she died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

County Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle recorded a conclusion of accidental death and urged people to replace their electric blankets after ten years

“This was an unusual case and the evidence I have heard confirms that,” he said. “The source of the fire was an old and probably very dangerous electric blanket, which was at least 36 years old.”

He went on to praise the fire service’s free Safe and Wellbeing Visits, which cover home safety issues including smoke alarms, trip hazards and electric blankets.

Mr Tweddle said: “It is useful and encouraging the fire service are able to give support to members of the public, not just on fire alarms, but a whole range of safety issues.”

To book a Safe and Wellbeing Visit, contact 0845-223-4221.