A FIRE officer is appealing for residents to 'take care with candles and naked flames' following a devastating fire in Holyhead.

The bathroom blaze happened in the early hours of Friday morning at a property on Kingsland Road.

Two crews from Holyhead were called out at 02.13am.

The cause of the fire is believed to be candles left unattended on the bath which resulted in flames and severe smoke damage to the bathroom. The landing also received light smoke damage.

Jody McEachern, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service locality manager, said: “This incident highlights the dangers of candles left unattended and how easily fires can happen.

North Wales Chronicle:

“The occupiers were extremely lucky to escape from this fire as they were asleep at the time of the fire.

"Candles can easily develop into a fire and every year we see countless incidents where an open flame left unattended can leave a trail of devastation.

“We advise people to use the battery operated tea light candles, which can be purchased for a small cost and are battery operated instead of requiring a flame.

These electronic candles are just as effective at creating an atmosphere but are much safer than a candle.

Residents using candles are advised to follow the safety advice :

Make sure candles are secured in a proper holder, on a stable surface, and away from materials that may catch fire - such as curtains, children and pets should never be left alone with lit candles, never leave a lit candle unattended, put candles out whenever you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night, keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times, burn candles in a well-ventilated room, but avoid draughts, vents or air currents - this will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, sooting, and excessive dripping, trim the wick to ¼ inch each time before burning.

Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring. So don’t move candles once they are lit, follow the manufacturer's recommendations on burn time and proper use, always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder, as these candles are designed to liquefy when heated, to maximise fragrance, always burn candles on a heat resistant mat do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare, use a snuffer or a spoon to put out candles.

It’s safer than blowing them out which may cause sparks.

Jody added: “Even with these precautions, it’s vital to be prepared should the worst happen.

"A working smoke alarm can give you the vital time you need to get out, stay out, and call 999.

"Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by testing your alarm regularly and by planning and practising an escape route."