A cook first thought her dinner had burnt before quickly realising a candle had caused a fire in the house.

The woman started smelling smoke while preparing dinner yesterday, but soon realised it was coming from the bedroom, and not the kitchen.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service was called to the house in Old School Lane, Maidstone, to reports of a bedroom fire at around 5.30pm.

The candle had set fire to the chest of draws it was sitting on. Fortunately the bedroom door was shut, containing the fire.

Two fire engines attended and crews used a hose reel jet to put the fire out before a high pressure fan was utilised to clear the building of smoke. There were no reported injuries.

Leanne McMahon, KFRS group manager for community safety said: “Lots of people enjoy lighting candles at home, but it’s so important they're used with caution.

"Make sure they’re fitted in a candle holder and placed on a non-flammable surface, and they shouldn't be left unattended when burning, especially with young children or pets in the house.

"Make sure they aren't burning close to curtains, bedding, clothing or even plants which might catch fire.”

More candle safety advice can be found on the KFRS website.

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