Go to www.bucksfire.gov.uk/bucksfire/free for more details about free home safety checks.

15 October 2010

Firefighters are warning everyone to be careful with candles after a fire in a bathroom this morning in which an aerosol can exploded.

Crews from Slough and Maidenhead in Berkshire were called to the incident in Eastfield Road, Burnham, at 7.14am.

Station Manager Danny Whitelock, who also attended, said: “There was a power cut at the time, so the occupants had a candle on the bathroom floor next to the shower unit. It was right next to an aerosol can, which blew up and caused a fire.”

Firefighters used a powerful fan to clear away the smoke after dealing with the fire. Danny carried out a home safety check as the house did not have any smoke alarms.

A crew from Beaconsfield Fire Station will be delivering leaflets in the area later today inviting residents to book free home safety checks. Bookings can be made on 01296 744477 or by email at cs@bucksfire.gov.uk

The latest fire statistics from the government show that 1,313 house fires were started by candles in England in 2007. Fourteen people died and 570 were injured.

Danny said: “It only takes a moment’s distraction for a fire to start when you are using candles, but the consequences can be tragic.”

He is urging 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, such as furniture, curtains and aerosol cans.
  
  
• 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 you are tired or lots of alcohol is being consumed.
  
  
• Don’t lean across candles – you could set fire to your clothes or hair.
  
  
• 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.