Firestorm in Locks Heath: Tea Light Catastrophe Destroys Family Home
A fire ripped through a Locks Heath home this morning after an unattended tea light candle sparked disaster. Luckily, the family escaped unharmed, but their possessions were lost to the flames.
Blaze Erupts in Elder Close Property
Just before 9am, fire crews from Fareham and Hightown rushed to a house on Elder Close, Locks Heath. On arrival, they found the front room ablaze, with flames bursting through the front windows. Using a hose reel, firefighters battled the inferno to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes.
Inside, the ground-floor living room was engulfed in thick, acrid smoke. The cause? A tea light candle left burning unattended on the edge of a cabinet, igniting the surroundings while the family had breakfast in the kitchen.
Family’s Narrow Escape
“We have lived at the property for just over three years,” said Sudhir Roa, speaking outside the damaged home. “I had left for work, leaving my wife and our two young children, aged three and 21 months, having breakfast.”
“My wife noticed flames flickering around the living room door frame and managed to escape with the children. Fire crews had to smash the door down to tackle the blaze. It was all very scary.”
Fire Service Issues Stark Warning
A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman confirmed the fire was swiftly brought under control but inflicted severe damage. “The living room was badly damaged with significant smoke damage throughout the ground floor. Fortunately, no one was hurt.”
She added a serious safety warning: “People might not think these tiny, decorative tea light candles—about the size of a 50p piece—could start such a fierce fire. This incident proves they’re very dangerous if left unattended.”
Key Takeaways
- Never leave tea light candles burning unattended.
- Keep candles away from furniture and flammable items.
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms.
- Call emergency services immediately if a fire breaks out.
Stay safe – a small candle can cause huge damage!
