Chelmsford, UK – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is reminding residents to prioritise fire safety as the winter season approaches, following a recent incident where an unattended candle sparked a serious fire in a Chelmer Village flat. The blaze, which occurred on 18th November 2025, highlights the ongoing risks posed by open flames in homes.
Emergency crews were called to the first-floor flat in Chelmer Village shortly before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 18th November. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the property heavily smoke-logged with an active fire raging inside. Two fire engines from Chelmsford Fire Station responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames and preventing the spread to neighbouring flats. The incident caused serious damage to the affected flat, though no injuries were reported.
Investigations confirmed the fire was caused by an unattended candle, a common trigger for residential blazes during colder months when people rely more on ambient lighting for comfort. "This was a stark reminder of how quickly a simple oversight can turn into a major emergency," said Watch Manager Mark Curtis of Chelmsford Fire Station. "Candles create a wonderful atmosphere, but they also carry real dangers if not handled with care. We're encouraging everyone to consider safer alternatives like LED candles, which mimic the glow without the risk."
ECFRS offers the following essential safety tips for candle use:
Always use a sturdy holder that is heat-resistant and placed on a stable, level surface.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or paper.
Never leave a burning candle unattended—extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting and avoid burning multiple candles close together.
Do not burn candles for longer than recommended by the manufacturer, and never allow them to burn down completely in glass containers.
Ensure rooms are well-ventilated, but avoid drafts that could cause flames to flicker unpredictably.
About Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service protects and serves over 1.7 million people across Essex, responding to thousands of incidents annually. Committed to prevention, protection, and preparedness, ECFRS works tirelessly to keep communities safe from fire and other emergencies.
For more information, contact:
ECFRS Media Team
Email: media@essex-fire.gov.uk
Phone: 01245 245200
Emergency crews were called to the first-floor flat in Chelmer Village shortly before 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 18th November. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the property heavily smoke-logged with an active fire raging inside. Two fire engines from Chelmsford Fire Station responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames and preventing the spread to neighbouring flats. The incident caused serious damage to the affected flat, though no injuries were reported.
Investigations confirmed the fire was caused by an unattended candle, a common trigger for residential blazes during colder months when people rely more on ambient lighting for comfort. "This was a stark reminder of how quickly a simple oversight can turn into a major emergency," said Watch Manager Mark Curtis of Chelmsford Fire Station. "Candles create a wonderful atmosphere, but they also carry real dangers if not handled with care. We're encouraging everyone to consider safer alternatives like LED candles, which mimic the glow without the risk."
ECFRS offers the following essential safety tips for candle use:
Always use a sturdy holder that is heat-resistant and placed on a stable, level surface.
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, furniture, or paper.
Never leave a burning candle unattended—extinguish it before leaving the room or going to bed.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting and avoid burning multiple candles close together.
Do not burn candles for longer than recommended by the manufacturer, and never allow them to burn down completely in glass containers.
Ensure rooms are well-ventilated, but avoid drafts that could cause flames to flicker unpredictably.
About Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service protects and serves over 1.7 million people across Essex, responding to thousands of incidents annually. Committed to prevention, protection, and preparedness, ECFRS works tirelessly to keep communities safe from fire and other emergencies.
For more information, contact:
ECFRS Media Team
Email: media@essex-fire.gov.uk
Phone: 01245 245200
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