Unattended candle destroys living room
Firefighters are asking everyone who uses candles to make sure to blow them out every time you need to leave the room after an unattended candle destroyed a living room in Harlow yesterday.
Crews were called to Felmongers, Harlow at 2:49pm after neighbours heard smoke alarms going off and called us.
On arrival, crews reported that the house was heavily smoke logged.
Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus entered the home and rescued a dog.
They found a fire in the front room and believe it was caused by an unattended candle that had overheated on a glass table.
The house has been badly fire and smoke damaged.
Watch Manager Steve Allen from Harlow Fire Station said: “Please make sure to blow any candles out every time you need to leave the room, even if you’re only leaving for a moment.
“Our advice would be to swap real candles for LED candles, they’re much safer.
“We’d also like to highlight the importance of having working smoke alarms, they’re not just there to alert you to a fire but your neighbours and any passers-by too if you’re not home.
“If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free. Get in touch with our team at www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book.”
Do you have working smoke alarms at home?
Smoke alarms save lives. They can alert your family as well as your neighbours and passers by to a fire in your home if you're not in.
We recommend you have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and that you test them at least once a month.
If you or someone you know doesn’t have working smoke alarms at home, please get in touch with our Service. Visit essex-fire.gov.uk/book or call 0300 303 0088.
