Essex firefighters issue candle warnings after bedroom fire
A man suffered smoke inhalation from the fire
Essex Fire Service has issued a stark warning against unattended candles after one set fire to a bedroom.
Firefighters were called out to a residence in Stanway near Colchester on Sunday after a candle that was left burning caught fire to a pillow.
The fire moved through the pillow and onto an extension chord which then caused extensive smoke and fire damage throughout the room.
The people living at the property only realised there was a fire when their smoke alarm went off at about 4:08pm.
By the time that responders had reached the house in Stanway, the fire had already burnt out.
However, a man suffered from smoke inhalation and was advised to go to hospital after being examined by firefighters.
As a result of what happened, Essex Fire Service Watch Manager Gary Clarke said that people must remain vigilant, as fire can be unpredictable.
"The incident shows the importance of never leaving candles and tea lights unattended," he said in a statement.
"It caused a significant damage despite only being left for a few minutes – and it would have been much worse had there been no smoke alarms."