Maisonette destroyed in candle fire

A maisonette was destroyed after a woman fell asleep and a lit candle set fire to her bedroom while she was sleeping.

Three crews from Rochdale and Littleborough fire stations were called to a fire at a flat on Stevenson Square, Smallbridge, Rochdale, at 2.20am on Sunday 29 April.

Firefighters were on the scene within minutes of the call and four of them went in wearing breathing apparatus and tackled the blaze with two hose reels.

A man and woman had escaped from the building before the firefighters arrived.

The 25-year-old woman was suffering from the effects of inhaling smoke and was treated with oxygen by a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technician.

She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

The 24-year-old man, who had been asleep in one of the lower floors of the property, escaped unharmed.

Firefighters cleared the smoke using a fan.

The maisonette was severely damaged by the fire, which had started after a candle in the woman’s bedroom set fire to her bedding.

Area Manager Dave Keelan, Head of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s (GMFRS) Prevention Services, said: "Distraction is one of the main causes of fire and it's important to be extremely careful with candles - never leave them unattended as they can be dangerous.

"You can reduce your risk of causing a fire by ensuring all candles are out before you go to sleep. Make sure the candle is standing up straight and is firmly fixed in a proper holder; always place candles on a heat resistant surface; keep candles out of draughts, blowing curtains and sources of heat or direct sunlight; never lean across a candle as you could set your hair or clothes on fire; and always keep candles well out of reach of children and pets.

"Test smoke alarms once a week to ensure they are in good working order and, if you don't have a smoke alarm, we can make arrangements for a free Home Safety Check to be carried out."