House fire caused by candle

Firefighters were called to a house fire in Billericay this morning (Monday 22 March) after the residents noticed that a candle had caught the curtains alight.

The occupants got themselves outside safely and called 999.

When fire crews arrived they reported that the first floor of the detached house was completely full of smoke and the fire was in one of the bedrooms.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus immediately went into the house and quickly extinguished the fire.

The fire was caused by a candle which was on the window sill next to an open window. The breeze had blown the curtains near the candle and the curtains caught fire. The fire then spread quickly throughout the bedroom and caused extensive damage to the bedroom, ensuite and loft area.

Candles - safety advice to reduce the risk of a candle fire in your home:

• Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and are away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains.
• Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping.
• Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
• Don’t move candles once they are lit.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring.