A fire and rescue service has made a plea to the public after two “serious” house fires in one night. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said both incidents were caused by unattended candles and has urged people to switch to using the “safer” LED alternative.
Crews were called to the house fires in Harlow and Chelmsford just hours apart on Thursday night. Appealing for the public to change their candles, Watch Manager Ross Daynes said: “We are asking people to do one thing that will eliminate the risk of a candle fire, that is by swapping your normal wax candles for LED ones. LED candles are not only the safer option, but they last longer which saves you money, whilst giving the exact same effect as real ones.
“They can be safely used in pumpkins for Halloween and around synthetic costumes, without the worry of them catching fire.
“If you are going to use real candles, please make sure you have a working smoke alarm on every level of your property. Which in these two cases, saved lives.”
He added: “It’s important to remember that candles are an open flame which can cause devastation if left unattended.”
Firefighters were called to the home in Harlow shortly before 10pm where they found a “well-developed” fire in a bedroom, the fire service said.
It added the room had been “completely destroyed” by smoke and flames.
Hours later, crews were called to a house fire in Chelmsford, with the property left heavily smoke-damaged. Both blazes were caused by unattended candles.
Photos from the scenes show rooms significantly charred, with damage to walls and furnishings.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service shared a list of precautions people should take when lighting candles or tea lights at home.
This included putting candles out when leaving the room, not moving them once lit and keeping the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris.
It also encouraged people to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use.
The full advice can be read here on Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s website.