Fire crews were called to the property on Dee Lane shortly after midnight, Monday November 17.

Six firefighters, all wearing breathing apparatus, entered the house and used two hose reel jets to extinguish the blaze.

The firefighters found the man, who is believed to have lived alone and be in his 80s, on entering the building.

Despite attempts by ambulance crews to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is thought that a faulty electric blanket caused the blaze and a smoke detector in the property was not fitted properly.

Richard Fairhead, senior fire safety manager, said: "Firstly, I would like to pass on my condolences and deepest sympathy to the friends and family of this gentleman who has sadly lost his life.

"Losing a local resident can really make the reality of death hit home.

"But I hope and believe that residents in the area and those across North Wales will hear about this tragic incident and will be determined to help safeguard the lives of elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbours, especially at this time of year when people are even more vulnerable.

"It is very important that people with electric blankets store them correctly when they are not in use - folding the electric blankets can cause damage to the wires within the blanket.

"They should be stored flat or rolled up. Before the blankets are used after seasonal storage, they should be checked to ensure they operate correctly.

"Electric blankets should be tested annually by a qualified electrician and replaced if they fail to meet the standard required.

"We also advise residents not to use electric blankets over five years old, and only use the devices according to the manufacturers' instructions.

"Also, sockets should never be overloaded and the fuse rating of the blanket should be checked by opening up the plug casing.

"Please don't leave an electric blanket switched on all night, unless it is thermostatically controlled and designed to be left on.

"Electric blankets should carry the British Standard Kitemark and the British Electrotechnical Approvals Board (BEAB) symbol on them."

Mr Fairhead added: "We at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge."

For a free home fire safety check call 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.