A house fire in a Brecon property which left a woman hospitalised was caused by a tea light left too close to a pillow, the fire service has revealed.

The fire service received a call shortly after 3:20am on Sunday evening to the house fire, in Llanfaes, Brecon.

Crews from five stations attended the scene of the fire, which involved three terraced properties on Newmarch Street.

All people were accounted for and one woman was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire service has confirmed that the cause of the fire was a tea light, which was left too close to a pillow, which then ignited a curtain.

A spokesperson for the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“At 03:23am on Sunday, 28/11/2021, Joint Fire Control received the first call to a domestic property fire in Llanfaes, Brecon.

“Crews from Brecon, Talgarth, Hay on Wye, Llandrindod Wells and Llandovery were mobilised to the incident.

“The fire involved three terraced properties, within a row of terraced properties. One of the properties was destroyed by the fire.

"Crews extinguished the fire using ten breathing apparatus, four hose reel jets, one 45mm covering jet, two triple extension ladders and a thermal imaging camera.

“All persons were accounted for and one female was taken to hospital by the Ambulance Service.

“The Police were also in attendance.

“The Fire Service continued to monitor the incident and declared the incident closed at 04:40pm.

“The fire originated from a tea light that was left too close to a pillow and quickly spread to a curtain.”

To help you enjoy your candles safely, the fire service have reminded the public of some tips for candle fire safety:

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely at night.

• Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.

• Do not move candles once they are lit.

• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.

• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, out of drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot, and dripping.

• Put candles out with a snuffer or a spoon - sparks can fly if you blow them out.

• Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance.

• Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999.

• Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do if a fire should occur– practise your escape route.

For further Home Fire Safety advice or to talk about the possibility of a Safe and Well Visit by Fire and Rescue Service personnel, please phone us on 0800 169 1234.​​​ Alternatively please complete an online Request a Safe and Well Visit​ form on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website: https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/in-your-home/