Ayrshire man in hospital after candle starts blaze

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) crews were sent to Greenside Avenue in Springside after a 999 call shortly after 1pm.

Incident commander and watch manager Vicky Hodge 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.

“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 helped a man who had got out of the building before they arrived 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.

Ms 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.