The current cold snap has led Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service to remind local people of the importance of staying safe as well as warm.

Station Manager Damien Bence, of the prevention department, said: “Using additional heating when it’s so cold is quite understandable, but this can bring an increased risk of fire into the home.

"By following some simple guidance, you can stay warm and safe.

"If you are in any doubt over any fire safety issues, please contact us, and always remember to test your smoke detector every week, as working smoke detectors save lives.

"We'd also recommend carbon monoxide alarms to warn against the risk of CO poisoning.”

Gas fires should be regularly maintained by a Gas Safe registered engineer and the following precautions should be taken when using portable heaters:

1/ Keep heaters at least one metre (3ft) away from curtains and furniture.

2/ Never use portable heaters for drying clothes.

3/ Always unplug portable heaters before going to bed or leaving the property.

4/ Only use gas and paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas.

In homes with open fires, you should:

5/ Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained, ensuring that they are swept at least once a year.

6/ Make sure you always use a fireguard to protect against sparks and hot embers.

7/ Don’t hang laundry too close to the fire in case of sparks.

8/ Ensure that the fire is fully out before you go to bed or leave the property.

Cold nights mean that electric blankets are often pulled from the cupboard or loft, but these can present a real fire risk if not maintained properly.

9/ Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.

10/ Never use a hot water bottle in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.

11/ Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.

12/ When storing an electric blanket, don’t fold it as this may damage the internal wiring. Store flat or rolled up.

13/ Examine the blanket regularly for signs of wear and tear – for example, worn or frayed fabric, scorch marks, wires poking through the material, any damage to the flex. If you find an issue, get the blanket replaced.

14/ Get your blanket tested by a qualified electrician at least every three years and replace blankets every ten years.

Wheatbags are heating pads that usually contain buckwheat or wheatgrass, which can be warmed in a microwave, and they often come in the form of a soft toy. However, they can also catch fire if not used properly:

15/ Buy bags with clear instructions and a British safety standard.

16/ Only heat for the time stipulated on the label and never at a higher heat than stated.

17/ Don't use wheatbags as a bed warmer, they are designed as heat packs to be held against the body.

18/ Watch for signs of overuse, such as charring or a smell of burning.

19/ Always leave bags to cool in a safe area and on a non-combustible surface.

20/ Don’t reheat the bag until it has completely cooled – this can take up to two hours.

Some households will qualify for a free home fire safety check from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service.

To find out more, call 0800 389 7849 or visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk