Working smoke alarms alert couple to flat fire
Firefighters are highlighting why it’s so important to have working smoke alarms at home after a couple and their dog safely escaped a flat fire in Southend today.
Crews were called to Lonsdale Road, Southend at 1:08pm and reported a ground floor flat was heavily smoke logged.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and believe it was caused by an incense stick that caught a nearby suitcase alight.
Watch Manager Benjamin Manning from Southend Fire Station said: “Please make sure you have working smoke alarms at home, they'll give you an early warning to a fire in your home giving you and your family time to safely escape.
“If you haven’t got working smoke alarms at home, we can fit them for free during a home safety visit. Find out more here.
“Please remember when using incense sticks candles or wax melts to never leave them burning unattended.
“With incense sticks, they need to be properly stubbed out. It only takes an ember to catch nearby items alight.”
Candle safety advice
- Incense sticks need to be properly stubbed out. It only takes an ember to catch nearby items alight
- Never leave candles burning unattended - put them out when you leave the room and make sure they're completely out at night
- 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
