A bargain video games console caught ablaze in an electrical fire which threatened to engulf a woman’s house.
She had bought the console second-hand earlier that day, and tested it by plugging it in to a TV, before moving it to the top of a wardrobe.
It was around 5.30pm when her smoke alarm began to ring.
She rushed upstairs but was shocked to see part of the bedroom on fire. Beaten back by flames and smoke, she screamed to a neighbour for help. He ran round to try to tackle the fire but was also overcome by the developing fire.
Firefighters raced to the scene at Shawford Crescent in Moston, Manchester, broke their way into the burning bedroom and tackled the blaze using hose reels and a high-pressure fan.
The woman and her male neighbour suffered serious smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by paramedics.
Sadly fire crews report that the woman lost everything in her bedroom because of the fire.
They later traced the start of the blaze to the faulty games console.
Now Greater Manchester Fire is warning people to take care when buying electrical goods secondhand.
Station Manager Paul Smitham said: “The lady tried to extinguish the fire herself and after she was overcome one of her neighbours also tried to tackle it, but the fire was too severe and they had to call us.
“The crew did a great job, they got straight into the property and put the fire out immediately.
“The smoke alarm did a great job too – if there hadn’t been one in the property the consequences would have been far worse.
“People are always looking for bargains, but you must be sure that any electrical appliance you buy is in good working order – always buy items from trusted retailers and if you have any doubts don’t buy them at all.
“The lady who lived in this property has lost everything in her bedroom because of one faulty electrical item.”
For more fire safety advice and to book a free Safe and Well check visit www.manchesterfire.gov.uk or call 0800 555 815.
