FIREFIGHTERS have warned householders to be vigilant when using candles in the home following a blaze at the weekend.
Firefighters from Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland, in County Durham, attended the fire in Fenhall Green, Newton Aycliffe, on Friday night, which started after the homeowner left a candle burning in a bedroom.
The man, who has not been named, was able to get himself and three children, all under five, out of the house before the fire brigade arrived.
He had been reading by candlelight, but the candle set fire to a wicker basket after he had fallen asleep and firefighters had to be called at about 11.30pm.
Officers discovered there were no batteries in the home's smoke alarm.
Stuart Errington, of County Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade, said: "They had a very lucky escape. We would like to stress the dangers of going to bed when candles are still lit and, secondly, the importance of regularly checking the fire alarms.
"Householders should check alarms are in good working order once a month."
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