Candle sparks fire which destroyed Bordon flat

On-call crews were alerted shortly after 4pm to the blaze on Royal Drive in Bordon.

Firefighters from Bordon, Liphook and Grayshott arrived on the scene of the first-floor flat to find smoke and flames issuing from the lounge.

Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze using hose reel jets before ventilating the property to clear smoke.

The fire spread from the candle, in close proximity to a Christmas tree, causing significant fire and smoke damage throughout the flat.

Before leaving the scene at around half six, crews conducted a number of home fire safety visits at neighbouring addresses.

We ask that you never leave lit candles unattended and that they are secured in a holder and away from material that may catch fire, like curtains or loose fitting clothes.

Remember that real Christmas trees are more prone to catching fire than artificial trees. Keep your tree well-watered regularly to stop it from drying out.

Decorations can burn easily – don’t attach them to lights or heaters and don’t hang them close to candles.

Get more festive fire safety advice on our website – https://www.hantsfire.gov.uk/safety/celebrations-and-events/christmas/