Candle causes bedroom fire

Firefighters are urging residents to keep an eye on candles at all times after a bedroom fire in Colchester was caused by a candle.

Crews were called to a flat fire in Hargood Close, Colchester at 4:30am. 

On arrival, crews reported the flat was heavily smoke logged with a fire in a bedroom. 

A candle in a wax burner had caught a bedside table alight and left the property heavily smoke logged. 

Watch Manager Ian Ryder from Colchester Fire Station said: “Please keep an eye on candles at all times, if you need to leave the room please blow the candle out.”

If you use candles at home, here are our top tips o use them safely:

• Keep an eye on candles at all times. Put candles out when you leave the room, even if it's only for a moment and make sure they’re put out completely before you go to bed
• Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and are away from flammable materials, such as curtains
• Never leave children alone with lit candles
• Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid drafts, vents or air currents which can cause rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping
• Keep the wick short and trim before burning where necessary. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring
• Don’t move candles once they are lit
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on burn time and proper use
• Don't burn several candles close together as this can cause flaring 
• Avoid letting glass candles burn all the way down