A fire which damaged a flat has sparked a warning from firefighters after it was found to have been started by a candle.

Crews were called to the property in Green Street, Gillingham yesterday lunchtime to a fire in a bedroom.

Two fire engines were sent to help put out the fire and firefighers wearing breathing apparatus entered the home.

They used a hose reel jet and a main jet to put out the flames and then ventilated the property with a high pressure fan.

No injuries were reported and all the flat's occupants were outside the property when crews arrived shortly after midday on Sunday.

The cause is believed to be accidental and started by a candle flame setting bedding alight.

But fortunately the blaze was contained to the bedroom before spreading to other parts of the flat, the fire service said.

The incident has now led to safety advice being issued by the fire service about using candles in the home.

The advice includes ensuring candles are well away from flammable items, fitted in a candle holder and placed on a non-flammable surface.

Crews have also reminded people to never leave them unattended when lit and extinguish fully when leaving the room.

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