Firefighters' warning on heated wheat bags

But as an 80-year-old Bexhill woman discovered on Monday, they can get too hot if not used correctly and become a danger.

Firefighters were called to the elderly woman’s home in Turkey Road after a wheat bag overheated in the microwave and caught alight, giving off hazardous fumes. The woman needed medical treatment for smoke inhalation.

Community fire safety manager Steve Wright said later: “Fortunately on this occasion nobody was seriously hurt, but this incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous these bags can be.

“All wheat bags bought in shops should have manufacturers’ instructions with recommended maximum heating times, and it’s really important that people read and follow those instructions to avoid overheating.”

He added: “If a wheat bag is used regularly and begins to age it can eventually overheat to the point of ignition and if the bag is kept insulated, for example under bed clothes, it has increased potential to ignite.

“Homemade bags pose an even greater risk because the type of wheat may be unknown and they have no manufacturers’ instructions to follow.”

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers the following simple safety tips for anyone using wheat bags:

DO:

•Buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions

•Read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions

• Buy bags that include manufacturers’ contact details in case you have a problem

• Only use as a heat pack for direct application to the body

•Watch for overuse: a smell of burning or charring

• Leave to cool in a safe area and on a non-combustible surface like a kitchen sink

DON’T:

•Don’t leave the microwave unattended when heating

•Don’t overheat - follow the manufacturers’ heating instructions that correspond to your microwave rating

•Don’t use wheat bags as bed warmers

•Don’t reheat the bag until it has completely cooled, which may be two hours

• Don’t store the bag until it is cold

• Don’t use the bag if you see any evidence of problems