Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

Padstow at 05/12/2002 11:03

Firefighters from Padstow attended a house fire in Padstow on Thursday 5th December 2002.

On arrival at the property Sub-Officer Ian Dawe and his crew were faced with a small fire confined in the first floor bedroom where it had started. The occupier of the property had suffered some smoke inhalation and was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Upon investigation the officer in charge Andy Barrett discovered that a candle left burning on top of the television had started the fire.

Andy explains, “The occupier had the window open and the wind had blown the curtains over the candle, and they subsequently caught light. Luckily the fire was during the day when the owner was awake, but if this had happened when they were asleep the circumstances could have been fatal as they had no smoke alarms to alert them to the fire.”

He continued, “Candles should not be left burning unattended and should never be placed on top of a flammable object, like a television, or near flammable materials like curtains.”

“At this time of year the Fire Brigade is particularly vigilant about warning the public of the dangers of candles, as they are more ‘fashionable’ around Christmas. The Christmas Fire Safety Campaign will be highlighting the dangers of candles and other items used at Christmas time.”