A MICROWAVEABLE wheat bag was involved in the fire that claimed the life of a man in Rhos-on-Sea last week.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was called to the property on Marston Drive at 8.34am last Wednesday (December 6) by North Wales Police after they received a report regarding concern for the safety of the resident.

Police officers confirmed there were signs of fire at the property and discovered the deceased, believed to be in his 80s, in a bedroom.

One fire appliance from Colwyn Bay was mobilised to the scene along with fire officers who undertook a joint investigation into the incident with North Wales Police.

The head of fire safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has issued an appeal to residents to ‘Look after each other this Christmas’ after the cause of the fire in Rhos on Sea last week has been confirmed as involving a microwaveable wheat bag.

MORE: Elderly man dies after fire at Rhos-on-Sea property

Paul Kay, head of fire safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “My deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of the gentleman who passed away in this tragic incident last week.

“The cause of the fire appears to be a microwaveable wheat bag which had been placed under the bedclothes on the gentleman’s bed.

“Microwavable wheat bags are often used to provide heat to painful areas on the body and often have an aromatic smell.

“What we have to remember is that a product that absorbs and stores heat in this way is a potential fire risk if not used properly.

“If a wheat bag is insulated after heating – for example under bedclothes, it may ignite.”