Candle flame destroys Heston semi

Sep 3 2008 By Robert Cumber

Brabazon Road fire

This house in Heston was gutted by fire after its owners left a candle unattended.

About 20 firefighters spent an hour tackling the blaze at the property in Brabazon Road after being called by a neighbour at 7pm last night.

Flames completely destroyed the second-floor loft extension and part of the first floor.

Phil Watson, watch manager at Feltham Fire Station, said: "The occupants were out at the time and the fire had been going for quite a while before a neighbour noticed the smoke and called us.

"The fire had spread down to the first floor and there was heavy smoke throughout the property.

"Firefighters worked hard to stop the fire spreading further and managed to salvage items from a first-floor bedroom.

"I urge people to never leave candles unattended and to always keep them on a flame retardant surface."