Be careful when lighting candles, and check your smoke alarms. That's the message from Kent Fire and Rescue today after a blaze broke out in a Sandwich bedsit this morning (Tuesday).

The small fire started after a cushion fell onto a candle and caught alight at a three-storey home in Willow Bank.

The resident, though to be aged about 50, had fallen asleep without extinguishing the candle.

Two fire engines were called to the property just after 6am.

Ramsgate Watch Manager, Chris Nation, said: “Fortunately the man woke up and covered the small fire, which he managed to put out.

"He had a very lucky escape as the batteries in the smoke alarms had been taken out.

"Had he not woken when he did, the outcome could have been very different."

He was treated by an ambulance crew for smoke inhilation.

The first floor lounge where the blaze started is completely damaged by smoke.

Watch manager Nation added: "Smoke alarms are your first line of defence against fire in the home.

"He had a very lucky escape as the batteries in the smoke alarms had been taken out.

"They provide an early warning and the precious time needed to help you escape.

"Don’t put your life at risk by removing the batteries. If they need replacing swap the batteries immediately.”

Crews ventilated the lounge but did not have to carry out any firefighting.

He added: “Don’t let the careless use of candles start a fire in your home.

"Never leave them burning unattended. If you leave the room always extinguish them and

keep them away from items that could easily catch fire, such as curtains or soft furnishings.”

For free fire safety advice, visit www.kent.fire-uk.org or telephone: 0800 923 7000.