Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service issue warning after candle left unattended causes accidental fire

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning to the public about the use of candles after attending an incident in Co Antrim on Monday morning.

The warning comes after crews from the NIFRS Northern Area Command in Ballymena attended an accidental fire this morning. The fire service says the blaze was caused by a candle being left unattended.

The NIFRS confirmed that the occupier was able to get out safely and crews extinguished the fire.

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Photos published on social media by NIFRS North showed the extent of the damage caused to the property as a result of the incident.

They added: "Crews from Ballymena attended an accidental fire this morning caused by a candle left unattended.

"Thankfully, the occupier was able to get out safely, and crews extinguished the fire. Don't leave candles unattended and ensure they are in a safe place."

Crews from the NIFRS Northern Area Command in Ballymena attended an accidental fire on Monday morning. (Image: NIFRS North/Facebook)

In advice around the use of candles, the fire service says it's vitally important to remember that a candle is an open flame in your home, which will ignite any flammable material that it comes into contact with:

Always keep a burning candle within sight. Extinguish all candles when leaving a room or before going to sleep- be sure the wick ember is no longer glowing. Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire- keep them away from furniture, curtains, bedding, carpets, books, flammable decorations, etc. Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets. Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning; long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping. Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use; the holder should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s use and safety instructions carefully. Don’t burn a candle longer than the manufacturer recommends. Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or ½ inch if in a container. Never touch or move a burning candle when the wax is liquid. Extinguish a candle if it repeatedly smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high as these indicate it is not burning properly. Cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before relighting. Never use a candle as a night light.

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