Candles cause property fire near Llandrindod Wells

On Tuesday, 09/02/2021 at 10:20pm, crews from Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells attended a property fire near Llandrindod Wells.

The fire was located in a first floor flat and the flat was heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters administered casualty care to a male casualty and a female casualty before they were taken to hospital by the Ambulance Service.

Firefighters also rescued three cats from the property and administered oxygen therapy to two of the cats.

Fire crews extinguished the fire using a hose reel jet, four breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera. The flat was also ventilated using a positive pressure ventilation fan.

The Police and a vet were also in attendance.

The Fire Service left the incident at 12:17am.

The fire was caused by candles igniting nearby curtains.

Station Manager Neil Evans, Deputy Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, “During lockdown, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, candles are a typical sight in many homes, scenting our rooms and giving an atmospheric warmth and glow to cold winter nights. But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just a decorative feature. Left unattended, an open flame could start a devastating fire.

Thankfully, there were working smoke alarms fitted within the property that alerted the occupiers to the fire and allowed them to call 999. This incident again shows the importance of testing your smoke alarm regularly and practising your escape routes.”

To help you enjoy your candles safely, here are some tips for Candle Fire Safety:

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night.
• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.
• Do not move candles once they are lit.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.
• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.
• Put candles out with a snuffer or a spoon – sparks can fly if you blow them out.
• Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.
• Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.
• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur– practise your escape route.

For further Home Fire Safety advice or to talk about the possibility of a Safe and Well Visit by Fire and Rescue Service personnel, please phone us on 0800 169 1234.​​​ Alternatively please complete an online Request a Safe and Well Visit​ form on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website: https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/in-your-home/