Three appliances attended the house fire in Orme Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning residents not to leave candles unattended after a serious house fire in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

“This incident highlights just how dangerous it is to leave candles burning unattended, especially when there are pets around. Always extinguish candles when leaving the room."

Firefighters were called to a home in Orme Road just after 11.15am today (Thursday June 7) after the occupants discovered a fire in a bedroom. The occupants, two adults and two children, got out safely and were unharmed. A man was checked over by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation as a precaution.

Appliances from Newcastle, Hanley and Sandyford attended and firefighters wearing two breathing apparatus used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. They used Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) to clear the smoke from the home.

A fire investigation found the blaze began after a candle was left burning on the bedroom windowsill. It’s believed the dog jumped up at the window and knocked the candle over. The bedroom was left severely damaged.

Station Manager Ruth Watchorn-Rice said: “This incident highlights just how dangerous it is to leave candles burning unattended, especially when there are pets around. Always extinguish candles when leaving the room.

“Thankfully this home had working smoke alarms and the occupants were able to evacuate quickly and safely, closing the bedroom door as they left which reduced the smoke damage to the rest of the property.”

Residents are asked to take care when using candles, incense or Bukhoor and can stay safe by follow the below safety tips:

• Never leave, candles, incense or Bukhoor unattended
• Always use a suitable holder or a burner
• Burners and holders should always be put on a flat, non-flammable surface and away from windows
• Keep candles, incense or Bukhoor out of reach of children and pets
• As with cooking keep you clothing out of the way of the flames
• When you have finished with an incense stick douse the tip in water and break it off. The remainder can then be relit later.