Man Taken To Hospital After Candle Fire
A man was taken to hospital after a candle started a fire at a house in North Ayrshire on Thursday 3 September.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were sent to Greenside Avenue in Springside in response to a 999 call made at 1:10pm and firefighters reached the scene within five minutes.
Watch Manager Vicky Hodge, the incident commander, said: “When we arrived smoke was issuing from the bedroom window and we committed a team in breathing apparatus to bring the fire under control.
“The smoke had already travelled throughout the first floor and it was thick enough that our team couldn’t see anything.”
She added: “A high pressure jet was used to extinguish the fire and the flames were successfully confined to the bedroom, but the spread of smoke resulted in damage to other rooms of the home.”
Firefighters assisted a man who had exited the building prior to their arrival and who appeared to be suffering from the effects of breathing in smoke.
They requested an ambulance attend the scene and after being tended to by paramedics he was taken to Crosshouse Hospital for a precautionary check-up.
Watch Manager Hodge said: “We certainly wish him a full and speedy recovery and this incident is a clear reminder of both the risk posed by candles and the benefit of early warning whenever a fire does happen.
“In this case an unattended candle started a fire that quickly took hold in a bedroom and spread significant amounts of smoke, but the fact a working smoke alarm was present meant the occupier got out.”
The advice from SFRS is to make sure candles are never placed where they could be accidentally knocked over or set fire to things like furniture, curtains or clothing.
When in use candles should be secured in a proper holder and they should never be left unattended.
Before leaving the scene the firefighters visited neighbouring properties to offer reassurance to residents as well as advice on how they can stay safe.
Crews throughout Scotland regularly provide free home fire safety visits, which are available by calling the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in an online form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.
Watch Manager Hodge added: “Fire is something that really can happen to anyone so it’s vital we all understand the risks and make sure we don’t inadvertently put ourselves or others in danger.
“Having a fire in the home can be devastating, even where no-one is seriously hurt. The loss of cherished possessions, the financial impact and the emotional trauma can all be horrific for those involved.
“That’s why we would much rather take the time to help people prevent fires than respond to a serious incident.”
She continued: “I would appeal for everyone to consider fire safety and get in touch with us if they think they, or even someone they know, could use some friendly and professional advice.
“A free home fire safety visit only takes about 20 minutes. We’ll arrange it for a time that suits the householder and even install free smoke alarms where they’re needed.”