A candle left too close to some paper led to a fire starting in a living room in the early hours of this morning.

The incident took place at 1.46am in Dickens Road, Gravesend.

Two fire engines attended and crews wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the flames using hose reel jets.

The blaze is believed to have started accidentally when a candle was left too close to paper and caused it to catch alight.

A small amount of damage was caused to a sofa, and the rest of the room was damaged by smoke.

The fire had stopped by 2.59am and fire service's volunteer response team were on-hand to offer them support and advice.

The fire service is reminding people to use candles safely.

• They should be fitted in a candle holder, placed on a non-flammable surface and not be left unattended when burning.
• They should also not be burnt too close to curtains, bedding, clothing or even plants which might catch fire.
• Candles should not be placed on windowsills or on the floor, or anywhere where they could get knocked over.

There should be a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor of your home which should be tested weekly.