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Person rescued as candle on bed starts flat fire

Helen Burchell
News imageEssex County Fire and Rescue Service A fire-damaged room. There is dark scorching and smoke on the walls and the bedding is burnt. The windows are open and a fire hose can be seen balanced on the bed.Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
The flat was badly damaged by the fire, which was caused by a candle left on the bed

A person had to be rescued from a flat due to a fire caused by a candle left unattended on a bed.

It happened in Laindon, Essex, at about 18:20 GMT on Friday.

Essex fire service said when crews arrived the first floor was full of smoke. One person in the building was rescued and treated for smoke inhalation, while other people managed to escape.

Incident commander Matt Bannon said: "Thankfully there was a working smoke alarm and the occupants were able to get out safely.

"Unfortunately the flat has suffered significant smoke damage.

"This incident highlights the dangers of leaving candles unattended. It only takes a moment for a naked flame to start a fire that can spread very quickly."

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