Fire alert over wheat bag water bottles

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said the devices pose a serious fire risk if overheated, and in the most recent incident one caused extensive damage to a kitchen in Brough.

The wheat-filled devices can be designed as cushions and soft toys – and firefighters have warned they should be used with care.

A spokesman said: “It may be difficult for people to believe that a product designed to offer comfort and therapy could pose a danger.

“However, I cannot stress enough the importance of following the manufacturer’s instructions. If wheat bags are not used properly it can have devastating effects.”

The spokesman added that extra care should be used if children or the elderly were heating them.

“Ensuring that your product conforms to British Standards is essential,” he said. “It is equally important not to allow anyone who is not aware, or is unable to understand the instructions, to heat them up.

“The instructions should be on the bag itself and any outer covering that it may have. If you are not able to follow the instructions, it must not be used.”

He added: “It is also very important to know that your microwave turntable is working correctly and that oddly shaped items, such as teddy bears, are able to rotate fully in the microwave.

“If the wheat bag is not turning properly it can create hot spots caused by uneven heating of the bag. If the wheat bag is then insulated, for example if it is put under bedding, spontaneous heating can continue, leading to the wheat bag catching fire.”

Home-made wheat bags present other risks as their exact weight, and therefore the heating time, may not be known. Adding oils to the bags may also increase their danger.