RESIDENTS in Wiltshire have been urged to take care with candles in their homes after a fire broke out in Limpley Stoke on Tuesday night.

A converted chapel in Middle Stoke was badly damaged by fire after a candle set light to a blind in the property’s kitchen.

Following the 999 call at 6.20pm, Bradford on Avon firefighters tackled the blaze, together with two crews from Bath. An operational support unit from Salisbury also attended so that the property could be boarded up.

The female occupant was out of the house when firefighters arrived and was treated by South Western Ambulance Service paramedics for burns to her hands.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue are reminding people that candles can pose a serious risk in the home.

Station Manager Damien Bence said: “So many people use candles for ambience or aroma, but it’s vital that safety precautions are taken.

“As we’ve seen with this fire, it only takes a moment for a flickering flame to set light to furnishings and for that to spread.”

The service have urged residents to never leave burning candles unattended and to make sure they are secured in a fire resistant holder and away from furniture, curtains, loose clothing and hair.

They have also said to never place them underneath shelves or other enclosed spaces, and to put them out when leaving the room, ensuring they are fully extinguished before you go to bed or leave the property.

Station Manager Bence also urged householders to ensure that they have working smoke alarms: “This property in Limpley Stoke didn’t have working smoke alarms.

“Had this fire started a few hours later, when the occupant had gone to bed, the consequences could have been life-threatening.

“We cannot stress enough the importance of smoke alarms, and why it’s essential they are tested regularly.”

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service has a wealth of home fire safety advice on its website which can be found at wiltsfire.gov.uk/safetyinthehome

In addition, they offer free home fire safety checks where householders are given bespoke advice on how best to keep themselves safe from the risk of fire. Residents can call 0800 389 7849 or visit wiltsfire.gov.uk to see if they qualify.