Dad and daughter escape house fire
Firefighters are urging homeowners to take care when lighting candles after a fire destroyed the first floor of a Maidstone home.
Crews were called to Loose Road just after 4pm last Thursday to deal with the blaze, which had started in the back bedroom.
Kent Fire & Rescue has released photos showing the aftermath in the hope of warning others to be more vigilant.
It is believed the fire was caused by a candle left unattended on the window sill, setting light to a curtain before spreading to the rest of the room.
A father and his daughter in the house were alerted by a smoke alarm and able to get out and call for help.
Police closed the busy route linking Park Wood and Loose with Maidstone town centre between the junction with the The Wheatsheaf and Plains Avenue.
Maidstone crew manager Andy Griffiths said: “This incident highlights just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms in your home to provide an early warning in the event of a fire, which enabled these occu- pants to escape without injury.
“I would urge residents to take extra care if using candles or tea lights.
“Never leave them unattended and ensure they are placed in a proper holder on a heat-proof surface, well away from clothing, curtains or any other ignitable materials.”
The fire is not being treated as suspicious.
For free safety advice and information, call 0800 923 7000.
‘This incident highlights just how vital it is to have working smoke alarms’