by Martin Jefferies
mjefferies@thekmgroup.co.uk

A Margate man suffered serious injuries and was left homeless after a devastating fire started by tea lights.

The blaze in his Grosvenor Place flat broke out as he slept at around 4.50pm on Thursday, December 3.

Neighbours managed to raise the alarm and helped him escape but he suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation and was rushed to hospital for treatment.

Around 20 firefighters from Margate, Ramsgate and Thanet (Westwood) wore breathing apparatus as they spent around half an hour tackling the fire, which started in the lounge. The majority of the basement property was destroyed.

Mick Smith, station manager at Margate, said: "The fire broke out while the man was asleep in his bedroom and there were no working smoke alarms in the property. This incident could have been far more serious and we could easily have been dealing with a fatality."

Mr Smith explained that tea lights can cause "damage, destruction and even death" and urged caution when using candles.

He added: "We want to help everyone keep themselves, their loved ones and their homes safe from the threat of fire, so if you have to use tea lights, please use them carefully. Keep them well away from anything that could easily ignite, such as TV sets, and never leave them unattended.

"It's also essential that you fit a smoke alarm on every floor of your home to give you that all-important early warning in the event of a fire.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) offers free home safety visits to local residents. Firefighters will visit homes to check for potential hazards and advise on the best escape route. Free smoke alarms are also fitted where necessary.

To book a home visit, call the community safety team on 0800 923 7000 or contact your local fire station.