September 10, 2026 - 214 views
As the evenings draw in and daylight becomes shorter, candles are once again becoming part of the welcoming autumnal atmosphere in many homes across North Wales.
They can make a room feel warm and cosy, but North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people that a candle is still an open flame — and when it is left unattended, the consequences can be devastating.
The fire service has dealt with a number of serious incidents in North Wales where candles have been identified as the cause.
In Rhyl, firefighters were called to a property on West Parade in August 2020 after candles left unattended on a bath started a fire. Two people had to be led to safety by firefighters and the hallway suffered fire damage.
In Trefor, Gwynedd, a candle left on a windowsill was believed to have ignited wooden blinds in December 2019. The fire caused 100 per cent fire damage to the ground floor of the property and smoke damage upstairs. A cat sadly died in the incident.
There have also been serious incidents closer to home. In Colwyn Bay, a woman was taken to hospital after curtains caught fire when a breeze from an open window brought them into contact with a candle. She suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns.
And in Prestatyn, two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after an unattended candle caused a fire in a flat. The bedroom suffered severe fire damage, with smoke and heat damage elsewhere in the property.
The danger has also been demonstrated in Wrexham. In December 2016, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service dealt with three candle-related fires in the Wrexham area in less than a week. One caused extensive smoke damage to a kitchen, while another caused extensive fire damage to a lounge. Tragically, a dog and a cat died in the latter incident.
The service regularly highlights the issue as autumn and winter approach. During its Candle Safety Week campaign, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said candles may be used more frequently as natural daylight reduces, as well as during events and celebrations later in the year.
The basic advice is straightforward: never leave a burning candle unattended, even for a short time, and always extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed.
Candles should be placed securely in a proper holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface and kept well away from curtains, furniture, bedding, books and other materials which could catch fire. They should also be kept away from children and pets.
The fire service advises against moving a candle while it is alight and says several candles should not be placed close together, as this can cause flames to flare.
Scented candles need particular care because they are designed to liquefy as they burn and should be placed in a suitable heat-resistant holder.
For anyone who wants the same atmosphere without the flame, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service recommends battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
Smoke alarms are another important part of the advice. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says most fires at home start accidentally and that smoke alarms provide an early warning, giving people vital time to escape. Its advice is to test smoke alarms every week.
The service also offers free Safe and Well Checks, where staff can provide tailored fire safety advice and, where appropriate, equipment such as smoke alarms and other fire-safety measures.
And if a fire does start, the advice is not to try to tackle it yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999.
Candles might be a simple way of making a darker evening feel more welcoming, but the message from North Wales firefighters is equally simple: enjoy the atmosphere, but never forget that there is a naked flame in the room.
