A CANDLE blown over by Merewether's coastal winds has been identified as the cause of a blaze that engulfed a Newcastle property on Sunday, firefighters say.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the property in Caldwell Street shortly after 8.33am after the property's smoke alarms sounded.
Three people inside made it to the backyard, firefighters said, where crews found them and guided them clear of the blaze.
It took seven crews less than an hour to quench the fire, but not before it destroyed the single-storey dwelling.
On Monday firefighters said they had determined the fire began when the unattended candle on the verandah was cast over.
"Blown over by the wind, the candle set fire to a couch and the blaze quickly spread to the kitchen and loungeroom of the Caldwell Street home," Fire and Rescue NSW said in a statement.
Authorities have urged all residents to ensure the smoke alarms in their property are in working order.
