Candle causes garden fire

Rochford Avenue, Waltham Abbey
16/09/2022 @ 12:02
Incident Number: 178691
In attendance: 1 x Loughton, 2 x Cheshunt (Herfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Firefighters are giving candle fire safety advice after a candle caused a garden fire in Waltham Abbey earlier today.

On arrival, crews reported that a garden fire was beginning to affect the rear of a house.

Firefighters from Loughton and our colleagues in Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service worked to extinguish the fire by 12:28pm.

Crews believe the fire was caused by a candle burning in the garden.

Watch Manager Glen Jackson from Loughton Fire Station said: “If you’re going to use candles, please keep an eye on them at all times and make sure to place them well away from anything they can catch alight.

“I’d like to thank our colleagues from Cheshunt for their assistance during this incident.”

Here are a few simple precautions you should take when using candles or tea lights:

Consider swapping wax candles for LED candles, they are much safer and give the same warm glow
Never leave candles burning unattended
Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder and are away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains
Children should not be left alone with lit candles
Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night
Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times
Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping
Trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring
Don’t move candles once they are lit
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on burn time and proper use
Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring