This picture shows some of the damage caused by Saturday's fire.

28 October 2008

A candle is believed to have caused the fire which severely damaged Turweston Manor, near Brackley, on Saturday.

Lead fire investigator Geoff Bottle from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service said today: “Initial indications are that this was an accidental ignition, most likely caused by a candle.”

The six occupants were able to leave the building safely after being alerted to the fire in the early hours of the morning by a recently-installed smoke alarm system.

The fire started on the second floor of the 30m by 20m building, which had been converted to flats. The roof was destroyed and the first and second floors were 70 per cent damaged.

At its peak, more than 70 firefighters from three counties tackled the blaze. (Click here for the news release issued on the day).

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety team, said: “A candle flame may be small, but five fires a day are started in the UK by candles. It only takes a moment’s distraction for a fire to start, but the consequences can be tragic.”

He asked people to remember the following safety tips:

• Never leave candles unattended and put them out completely at night.
  
  
• Keep them away from draughts and anything that can easily catch fire like furniture or curtains.
  
  
• Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Night lights and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces like TV tops and bathtubs.
  
  
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
  
  
• Don’t use candles when lots of alcohol is being consumed.
  
  
• Don’t lean across candles – you could set fire to your clothes or hair.
  
  
• Mind the gap – don’t put candles under shelves or other surfaces.
  
  
• Always put out candles before you move them.
  
  
• Always leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles.
  
  
• Use a glass or metal holder for scented candles, which turn into liquid to release their fragrance.
  
  
• Don’t let candles fall over! Keep them firmly upright in a proper holder.
  
  
• Don’t let anything fall into the hot wax, like matchsticks.
  
  
• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put candles out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying.