Shattering fish tank saves house from fire

A FORGOTTEN candle caused a fire in a Warrington home in the early hours of the morning – but by a remarkable stroke of luck shattered a fish tank which put out the blaze
Mr and Mrs Steve Whitehall of Mossdale Close, Whittle Hall, often had candles burning around the home.
As part of their bedtime routine, they blew all the candles out – but missed just one of them.
The large pillar candle burnt down, hot wax dripped onto a plastic garland which fell on the floor and caught fire, also setting light to some Christmas presents.
The heat from the flames shattered a fish tank, sending 100 litres of water gushing to the floor, fortunately putting out most of the fire and waking Mr and Mrs Whitehall.
It just needed a tumblerful more water to put the fire out fully, and firefighters were called out to make sure everything was safe.
Mr Whitehall said “We often have candles burning around the house, and are usually very careful about making sure they are all out before we go to bed or go out. Unfortunately, we missed one last night and I cannot believe the damage that has been caused from just that one candle.
“Please, please, everyone, take great care if burning candles.
“We now have to sort out a fire damaged lounge, replace Christmas presents and have lost over 13 fish in the blaze. Fortunately, two survived in the couple of centimetres of water left in the tank, but, more importantly, I dread to think what would have happened if the sound of the breaking tank hadn’t woken us and alerted us to the fire.”
Crew manager Tony Taylor who attended the incident said: “The Whitehalls have had a very lucky escape from what could have been a much more serious incident. Candles do need to be treated with great care, particularly at this time of the year.
“Mr and Mrs Whitehall, who have got smoke alarms fitted in their property, did the right thing by shutting internal doors before going to bed. This contained the fire to just the one room but we would recommend smoke alarms are fitted in rooms where candles are being burnt.
“We urge everyone to follow our safety advice and wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.”
Picture: The fire damaged living room.