Smoke alarm alerts family to candle fire
Firefighters have issued safety advice after a wax melt candle ignited in a family home yesterday.
The family had bought home-made wax melts online which caught fire once the wax started to heat up. They were alerted by their smoke alarm and were able to get outside safely and call 999.
The fire was out when the crews arrived. They made sure it was fully extinguished and issued safety advice.
Station Manager Andre Turner said: “This incident highlights the importance of having a working smoke alarm on every floor.
"Thanks to the early warning, the family were able to get out safely and call us. Please take extra care when using any type of candle, do not leave them unattended.
“Be careful when using home-made candles or wax melts. These may contain different ingredients which can produce lower ignition temperatures which means there is a risk they will set alight.”
Wax melt and candle safety advice
- Never leave candles burning unattended - put them out when you leave the room and make sure they're completely out at night
- Always use a wax melter designed for wax melts. Do not use a candle warmer or a hot plate to melt wax melts. These devices can get too hot and cause the wax to catch fire.
- Choose a high-quality wax melt. A good-quality wax melt will be made from a safe and non-toxic material.
- Do not leave children alone with candles
- Don’t move candles once they are lit
- Make sure candles are away from materials that might catch fire
- Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and keep the wax pool clear
- Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring
- Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring
