FIREFIGHTERS have urged older people not to leave clothes or bedding near gas fires following the deaths of two pensioners in the space of a month in house blazes.

Roy Nelson, 75, was confirmed as the victim of a blaze at Holford Way, Newton-le-Willows following a fire on Sunday, December 14.

His death follows a similar tragedy in which 88-year-old Eric Houghton died after a fire broke out in his home on Samuel Street in Sutton Heath on Friday, November 21. 

At this stage it is believed that both died after items were left close to gas fires.

Since both deaths Merseyside Fire and Rescue has carried out high profile campaigns in both areas.

They have been warning people about keeping ‘combustible’ materials away from gas fires and candles. 

They were also keen to hammer home the importance of keeping working smoke alarms.

Fire prevention staff and fire engines visited around 300 properties informing people about safe ways to heat homes during the winter.
St Helens fire chief Chris Case explained what happened in Newton: “Early indications (at the Holford Way fire) suggest it may have been caused by combustible materials being too close to a gas fire.

“This is the second fire in recent weeks, the other in St Helens, where the suspected cause of the fire was combustible materials near a gas fire.

“We urge people to keep themselves safe while heating their homes during the winter months whether that is be making sure chimneys are swept before fireplaces are used or keeping combustible materials away from candles and fires.

"We urge people to check on their neighbours at this time of year particularly if they are 65-years-old or older and live alone.”

Call 0800 7315968 to refer a neighbour or vulnerable person for a free home fire safety check.