House fire in Leighton Buzzard after 'unattended candles' left on table

Both crews at Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station responded to the fire in Ridgely Drive in Sandhills yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

A spokesman from Beds Fire and Rescue Service said: "The call came in at 7pm, and this was caused from unattended candles left on a table.

"Firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and ventilated the property. If you use candles, then please take care. Follow our safety advice."

Beds Fire and Rescue Service recommends the following:

> Never leave candles unattended;

> Always place candles on a sturdy, heat-proof surface. Candles get very hot, but not just at the top of them. They can easily melt plastic and candles with more than one wick burn far hotter than single wicks;

> Keep areas around candles clear. Make sure clothing, curtains and other fabrics are well out of the way - especially if windows are open;

> Keep candles well out of reach of children and pets;

> Ensure you have working smoke alarms. Fire kills, smoke alarms save lives.