Candle safety advice

Date: 7th May 2008

Following a serious house fire in Northallerton on Friday 2^nd May 2008, in which a person was rescued by a member of the public, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind everyone to be careful when using candles.

Lit candles should be treated like any other flame. NYFRS recommends following these simple tips:

• Don't leave candles unattended and make sure you put them out properly at night or if you're leaving the room
• Keep them away from anything that can catch fire like furnishings, fabrics, curtains etc
• Don't put candles on top of plastic surfaces like your bath or television as they can melt.

Remember that it only takes a moments distraction for a fire to start!

It is also important to have a working smoke alarm in your home, it will give you a warning at the early stages of a fire in your house, giving you extra time to escape. Smoke alarms should be fitted on ever floor of your home, and the batteries should be tested weekly.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service offer a free Home Fire Risk Check which involves a fully trained Fire Crew visiting your premises and offering advice on fire safety issues within the home, and where appropriate fitting smoke alarms free of charge.

To book your free home fire risk check visit our website http://www.northyorksfire.gov.uk/ or phone our Fire Safety Advice Line on 01609 788545.