A MAN suffered minor burns and smoke inhalation after trying to put out a fire started by a lit candle on a windowsill with a garden hose – prompting a warning from a fire chief.

Shortly after 1pm on Saturday May 13, three crews from Altrincham and Wythenshawe were called to a house in Lorraine Road. 

Firefighters arrived to find a smouldering fire in the first floor bedroom of a semi-detached house.

The fire was caused by a lit candle being left on the bedroom windowsill unattended.

The family living in the house were alerted to the fire by a smoke alarm and attempted to extinguish the blaze using a garden hose reel before firefighters arrived.

Damage was caused to the bed and mattress and two people were treated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation. High pressure fans were used to clear smoke from the property.

Crews were at the scene for one hour. The cause of the fire was accidental.

Station Manager Mark Wilson, Altrincham, said: “This is timely reminder to residents to never leave candles unattended – especially on window sills near flammable materials like curtains, decorative items and bed linen.

“Whilst attempting to tackle a fire yourself may seem like a good idea at the time, it can be very dangerous and we would never want a member of the public to put themselves in harm’s way. At this incident, a man suffered a minor burn and was treated for smoke inhalation as a result of trying to extinguish the fire.

“If you discover a fire, close the door of the room if you are able to, get out, stay out, and dial 999 to get the fire service out.”