**Candle Ignites Significant House Fire in Swansea’s Port Tennant Area**
In the late hours of Sunday evening, a severe blaze broke out at a semi-detached house in Swansea’s Port Tennant community, prompting an urgent response from emergency services. The incident, which took place at approximately 10:33pm, resulted in substantial fire damage to the property and highlighted the risks associated with using candles within the home.
Upon arrival, firefighters from three different Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stations – Swansea Central, Swansea West, and Port Talbot – found the fire already well established, with flames engulfing a bedroom on the first floor. At the scene, local residents were alarmed, fearing that occupants might be trapped inside the building. This concern spurred the attending crews to mount a rapid search of the premises.
Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, entered the smoke-filled home to carry out a thorough sweep while colleagues worked to tame the blaze. The fire crew deployed a range of firefighting tools, including six breathing apparatus sets and two hose reel jets, while thermal imaging cameras and a short extension ladder assisted their efforts to control and extinguish the flames.
Fortunately, after a meticulous search, firefighters confirmed there were no casualties or people found inside the residence. Their prompt action prevented the fire from spreading further, although the impact on the building was significant.
Once the fire was brought under control and the scene secured, a subsequent investigation commenced to determine the cause. The inquiry revealed that the fire had started accidentally due to a candle left burning in the property. Incidents such as these are a sobering reminder of the real dangers candles can pose when used carelessly or left unattended.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service later issued a public statement, reiterating the risks associated with open flames like candles. “Even when used for practical or decorative reasons, candles should always be handled with caution,” the fire service stressed. The statement went on to highlight how a simple oversight can rapidly result in catastrophic consequences for householders and families.
In addition to their warning, the fire service provided several key safety tips for members of the public who wish to use candles at home. People are urged never to leave a candle burning in an unoccupied room and to ensure that candles are fully extinguished before leaving the house or going to bed. Additionally, the service advises that candles should always be placed on stable, heat-resistant surfaces and kept away from children and flammable materials.
Other recommendations include refraining from burning multiple candles close together – as this can cause the flames to intensify – and never moving candles while they are alight. Residents are also reminded not to light candles when they are feeling drowsy, to further reduce the chance of an incident like Sunday night’s fire.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and precaution when using candles at home. What began as a seemingly innocuous act led to a considerable emergency response and lasting damage to a residential property. The quick actions of local firefighters were instrumental in averting an even greater tragedy.
As the investigation wraps up and the community reflects, local authorities continue to encourage safety awareness, hoping that increased caution will help prevent similar incidents in the future. Stories such as this reinforce the message that fire can strike at any moment, and that small steps towards fire safety can make a substantial difference.