Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and NSW Fair Trading are urging seniors and carers who look after the elderly not use wheat bags and other heat packs as bed warmers and to take care when heating them in microwaves.
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The warning comes after the coroner found an elderly woman died as a result of a fire caused by a wheat bag placed in her bed.
FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said since January 2011, firefighters have responded to 36 incidents involving wheat bags or heat packs.
Twenty five incidents involved elderly people.
“Firefighters have seen fires caused by wheat bags and other heating products being overheated in microwaves and, more disturbingly, when they have been placed under sheets and blankets as a bed warmer and started to smoulder,” he said. ”
Commissioner Mullins urged seniors and their carers to use heat packs safely.
“Wheat bags are designed to be used for aches and pains and that’s what they should be used for.
“Wheat bags can ignite and are not designed to replace hot water bottles for warming beds.”
“Look for wheat bags that are clearly labelled with instructions and follow those instructions.
“FRNSW recommends heating the wheat bag with a glass of water in the microwave – this will help prevent the wheat bag from drying out or overheating.”
