A woman was severely burned when her clothes caught fire after brushing some candles she lit as part of a relaxing bath.

The woman's skirt caught fire as she was running her bath and the flames then spread to the rest of her clothing, which she was still wearing at the time in the incident on Friday.

The woman used the bath water to put out the flames but still sustained severe burns.

Ambulance crews were called to the premises in Ravenscliffe, Bradford and two fire engines attended the incident just before 1.30am. 

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) Fire Investigator, Gary Kendrew said: “This fire brings home the reality of why candle safety is so important.

“In this instance candles were wedged into shampoo bottles around the bath.

 “We would always advise people to be incredibly careful with any naked flame. Candles should always be placed on a heat resistant surface in a proper holder.”

In the last five years (between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2014) there have been 215 fires started by candles (in all types of buildings) across the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service area.

Of those, 185 were in homes.

WYFRS have produced these simple tips to keep people safe:

  • Place candles on a heat resistant surface and be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which can get hot enough to melt plastic.
  • Put candles in a proper holder so they don’t fall over and out of reach of children, pets and away from curtains and other fabrics or furniture that could catch fire.
  • Make sure there is at least one metre (3 feet) between the candle and any surface above it and that candles are at least 10 centimetres (4 inches) apart.
  • Put candles out with a snuffer or a spoon – sparks can fly if you blow them out.
  • Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.

 

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