FIREFIGHTERS have warned people to be wary of naked flames after an unguarded candle caused a flat fire this morning.

Crews were called shortly after 5am by a neighbour who spotted smoke coming from the property and raised the alarm.

They arrived at The Leys, in Wimbish, Saffron Walden, to find the flat filled with smoke and used one hose reel to extinguish the fire.

After the incident, sub officer Steve Norris said the neighbour’s quick action had prevented serious damage and urged people to take care when using candles in the home. “It appears the occupant of the flat had left the property, leaving behind a lit candle close to the curtains,” said Sub Officer Norris. “It’s important that people using candles in the home understand the dangers and never leave them unattended. They are a cause of a number of incidents attended by crews and this is avoidable if people take care.

“Had the neighbour not spotted the smoke, the incident could have been much more serious.”

Firefighters from Thaxted and Saffron Walden had the flames under control by 05.35am.