Candle warning after two people taken to hospital following blaze

Firefighters also rescued three cats from the property near Llandrindod Wells and give two of the pets oxygen therapy.

The alarm was raised at 10.20pm on Tuesday when the fire, caused by candles, set fire to curtains.

Fire crews from Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells went to the scene and found the first-floor flat heavily smoke logged.

Firefighters gave casualty care to a male and a female casualty before they were taken to hospital by the Ambulance Service.

They put out the fire and then ventilated the flat, leaving the scene at 12.20am.

Mid and West Wales say the the fire was caused by candles igniting nearby curtains.

Devastating

Station Manager Neil Evans, Deputy Head of Community Safety for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said, “During lockdown, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, candles are a typical sight in many homes, scenting our rooms and giving an atmospheric warmth and glow to cold winter nights.

"But it’s important to remember that a candle is not just a decorative feature. Left unattended, an open flame could start a devastating fire.

"Thankfully, there were working smoke alarms fitted within the property that alerted the occupiers to the fire and allowed them to call 999. This incident again shows the importance of testing your smoke alarm regularly and practising your escape routes.”

He said candles should never been left unattended - put out when the room was left.

"Place your candles carefully. Make sure they are on a stable surface, out of the reach of pets and children, and keep them away from flammable objects like curtains, furniture, bedding and books.

"Do not move candles once they are lit and do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare.

"Always put scented candles in a heat resistant holder. These candles are designed to liquefy when heated to maximise fragrance."