A family had a lucky escape after an electric blanket caught fire late last night.

A woman in her 50s, who lived at the house in Lynden Way, Swanley, had to be treated at the scene for the effects of breathing in smoke.

She had smelt smoke just after midnight and after discovering the blaze in an upstairs bedroom threw the mattress and blanket out of the window and poured water on it to extinguish the fire.

Two fire engines were called to the property and crews gave oxygen therapy until paramedics arrived.

The blaze caused light smoke damage in the bedroom and damaged the blanket, which had caught fire after being left plugged in, and memory foam mattress.

Dartford crew manager, Richard Emery, said: “With the recent cold snap, we tend to see people using more electrical items in their homes to keep warm. If you’re using an electric blanket, electric fan heater or any other form of electrical appliances, please make sure they are in proper working order, fit for purpose and that you turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed at night."

“If you’re using multi-socket extension cables and adaptors please don’t plug too many appliances in and overload them and make sure extension cables are fully unwound before use.

“People think we’re life-savers but your smoke alarm is the real hero in your home. So test them regularly and don’t be tempted to remove the batteries. Buy extras for Christmas presents and have a safe and happy time.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service is also reminding people to please check on their elderly neighbours, relatives and friends to make sure they are safe and well this Christmas.