Warning over candles after East Preston house fire

Fire crews were called to a semi-detached house in Willowhayne Avenue just before 3.30am today (Monday, January 17), after the candles, which had been left burning on a mantle piece, set light to a wall mounted television and wooden cladding.

The owners, who managed to extinguish the fire using a bucket of water, were treated for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital as a precaution.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s Arun district commander, Dave Benham, said: “Candles and tea lights are often used to create a relaxing or atmospheric mood in people’s homes, but if you leave them unattended, even for just a short time, they can become a very dangerous fire hazard.

“The family had all gone to bed forgetting to extinguish the candles. Thankfully, on this occasion, they were all able to escape the house safely, but we know from experience that the consequences can be devastating.”