Date: 2nd August, 2016
The dangers of unattended candles and the importance of working smoke alarms have been highlighted by a fire at Corfe Mullen this morning (2 August).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a house in Pardys Hill at 2.34am, with two crews from Wimborne attending.
They found that an unattended candle had set fire to curtains in the ground floor living room of the property.
A woman living in the house was taken to hospital by South Western Ambulance Service for precautionary checks, having breathed in a lot of smoke.
A neighbour who entered the house to rescue two pet dogs and a parrot also put out the fire. He was treated at the scene by paramedics for minor smoke inhalation.
Fire crews ensured that the fire was fully extinguished, and fitted smoke alarms within the house.
Station Manager Steve Broad said: “The occupier was very lucky as she was still awake and became aware of the fire very quickly. The house didn’t have working smoke alarms so, had she been asleep, the outcome could have been far different.”
The Fire and Rescue Service has the following advice about the safe use of candles in the home:
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
- Make sure candles are secured in a fire resistant holder and away from furniture and curtains.
- Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit.
- Always leave at least 10cm (4ins) between burning candles, and never place them underneath shelves or other enclosed spaces.
- Put out candles when you leave the room and make sure they are fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the property.
- Never burn a candle right down into the holder.
- Use a snuffer or spoon to extinguish candles – it’s safer than blowing them out, as sparks can fly when you do that.
- Never use candles in or near a tent.
- Don’t try and move a burning candle, as this just increases the risk of fire.
- If you use tea lights, make sure they are placed in a proper holder. Although tea lights have a foil outer container, this is not safe as the foil can get extremely hot. When this happens, it can melt the surface it is on, such as the side of a bath or the top of a television.
For more fire safety advice, or to request a free Safe and Well visit, visit www.dwfire.org.uk/safety