Warning about candles after flat fire

A tealight or incense burner being used as part of the Diwalhi celebrations was the most likely cause of a fire that severely damaged a first floor flat in Rodbourne Cheney last night (28 October).

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to the flat, above the William Hill bookmakers in Rodbourne Road, at 11.06pm by neighbours who were concerned that the occupiers were still inside.

Two fire engines from Swindon, one from Westlea, the aerial appliance from Swindon and the control unit from Stratton attended and six firefighters in breathing apparatus searched the flat to ensure that nobody was inside. Two hose reel jets and positive pressure ventilation were used to put out the blaze.

The Red Cross victim support unit also attended at the scene and staff looked after the flat’s occupants.

Station Manager Gareth Evans said: “The fire was already established when we arrived and there was a lot of smoke in the street, with flames visible through the windows. The occupants arrived while we were there so we were then certain that no-one was inside the flat. It seems as though a candle or incense burner hadn’t been properly extinguished and had smouldered for some time before the fire took hold.”

Firefighters carried out a ’hot strike’ with adjacent properties immediately afterwards, giving home fire safety advice to neighbours. This included warning people about the dangers of leaving candles unattended, making sure that they are always extinguished, and the importance of having working smoke detectors.

For more fire safety advice, visit www.wiltsfire.gov.uk

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