7:51am Friday 12th March 2010
A Southampton tower block resident is lucky to be alive after a candle fire broke out in his flat which did not have a working smoke alarm.
Fire crews were called to Hampton Towers in Weston following a 999 call just after 9.30pm last night.
The resident had been burning tea light candles and then fell asleep and the flames then caught some flammable material, in turn setting the sofa alight.
A total of 26 firefighters, using an aerial ladder platform, were sent to the scene in International Way to tackle the fire in the lounge of the third floor flat.
The British Red Cross Fire and Emergency Support Service was called to the scene and took care of the occupant who was a man aged in his 40s.
Hightown Watch Manager Al Smith said: "It would appear that the occupant had been burning tea light candles and then fell asleep. At some point a candle set fire to some flammable material when then set fire to the sofa. Fortunately the occupant woke up and was able to get out and call the fire service.
"But this incidents does highlight the importance of insuring all candles are blown out before you go to sleep. This household did have a smoke alarm, but it was no longer working and once again we want to remind householders to check their smoke alarms at least once a week."
The stop message was received at 23:36 stating that four breathing apparatus and two jets had been used. Crews in attendance were from Hightown, St Mary's and Hamble fire stations along with Redbridge's aerial ladder platform.
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