Police, firies issue candle warning

This follows two fires in the space of four days, both caused by candles.

The first occurred in Boundary Road last Thursday.

Inspector Ashley Holmes of Young Police said the fire was first detected by the occupants in the loungeroom of the house around 8pm.

While they managed to smother the fire using a fire extinguisher, Young Fire and Rescue attended the scene to ensure it was fully out.

Inspector Holmes said it appeared the cause was a candle situated on a slow combustion heater had burnt down to the base, fell down behind the heater, igniting material behind the heater.

Young Fire and Rescue captain Ryan Terry said the house had to be evacuated due to the large amount of dust and fumes from the fire extinguisher.

Monday afternoon crews were also called to a fire on a property on Rowleys Road, which was also believed to have been caused by a candle.

Ryan said his crew had been called out to around six home candle fires over a 12 month period.

He joined Inspector Holmes in urging homeowners to be vigilant in not leaving candles unattended and ensuring they are properly extinguished.

“Keep in mind where candles are situated when you light them and what would happen if they burnt out,” Ryan said.