Lighting candle led to fire at Wigan house

Three fire engines were called to Matheson Drive in Laithwaite just before 9.25pm on Saturday to tackle a fire in the kitchen.

The occupant had used a cooker hob to light a candle and the fire got out of control.

The house was heavily smoke logged when firefighters arrived and the kitchen was damaged.

They cleared the smoke and fitted smoke alarms.

Glyn McCann, watch manager at Wigan fire station, said: "I recommend that people use an appropriate lighting instrument to light candles."

A post-fire reassurance campaign will be carried out in the surrounding area and people are urged to contact the fire service to request smoke alarms.

Mr McCann said: "I would implore people in the area, and anybody in fact, if they don't have a working smoke alarm, call us and we will fit one for free."