Nelson house fire sparked by microwavable heat pack (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Nelson house fire sparked by microwavable heat pack

8:53am Tuesday 31st January 2012 in Nelson By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

A HOUSE fire was sparked this morning after a pensioner tried to microwave a heat pack.

Fire crews said the elderly woman set fire to a microwaveable wheat bag by accidentally using the grill setting on the microwave.

The item, which is heated and used to sooth aches and pains, caught fire around 6.05am this morning at the flat in Barkerhouse Road, Nelson.

Firefighters, police and the ambulance service were all mobilised to the scene as it was initially treated as a 'persons-reported' fire.

The microwave was destroyed and the flat was smoke logged.

Firefighters said the elderly lady was unhurt but was left in shock.