Candle fire in Brighton prompts safety warning

A blaze in Brighton which was caused by a candle has prompted a safety warning from fire service safety chiefs.

The warning comes after a fire in Elm Grove last month and another in a flat on the corner of Holland Road and Western Road, in Hove, in June.

The fire service said that it was Candle Fire Safety Week and urged people to take care as the colder months approach, citing a fire in Newhaven a few months ago.

“In August this year,” the fire service said, “firefighters attended a domestic property fire in Newhaven after a lit candle had been left burning on a shelf behind a door.

“A resident had briefly left the property, forgetting the candle was still alight. The flame ignited clothing hanging behind the door, causing the fire to spread to the hallway.

“There were no casualties and advice was given.

“In September, crews attended a fire at a residential building in Brighton. On arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire to the rear of the property, with heavy smoke issuing from second-floor windows.

“The fire alarm system had activated but one resident remained asleep and was alerted by another occupant.

“Three people suffered smoke inhalation and were handed into the care of the ambulance service. A cat was also rescued unharmed.

“The fire is believed to have started from a candle that had not been extinguished before a resident fell asleep.

“As part of the Fire Kills campaign, fire and rescue services across the country are urging people to take extra care this Candle Fire Safety Week (Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November) and reduce the risk of fires during the colder months ahead.

“With winter fast approaching, candles can add a cosy ambience to an evening at home and are often used during seasonal celebrations such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Diwali, Bodhi Day, Hannukah and Christmas.

“However, candle fires cause around 300 casualties every year and approximately a third of candle-related fires attended by fire and rescue services result in death or injury.

“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the campaign and reminding residents of important steps they can take to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities. Recent incidents highlight the risks.”

While the circumstances of every incident are different, the fire service said, the fires in Newhaven and Brighton showed how easily accidental fires could start from candles and how quickly they could escalate.

The fire service added: “They also highlight the vital role working smoke alarms play in providing an early warning and helping people escape safely.”

The fire service urged people to consider using LED or flameless candles as an alternative to traditional wick candles.

Tenants and leaseholders were urged to check their lease agreement to see if the use of candles was permitted.

Anyone using a wick candle, was advised never to leave a lit candle unattended but to put burning candles out on leaving a room – and to make sure that they are out completely at night.

Place candles carefully, the fire service said, adding: “Make sure they are on a stable surface, on or within a suitable candle holder.

“Do not leave candles free standing, including tealights. They should be on or within a suitable, fireproof candle holder out of the reach of pets and children.

“Keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books (and) don’t move candles once they are lit.

“Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.

“Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot and dripping.

“Always put scented candles in a heat-resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.

“Fit smoke alarms and test them now and monthly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.

“Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur (and) practise your escape route.”