People are being warned of the dangers of tea light candles after a house fire in Newcastle.
The blaze broke out at a home in the West End of Newcastle last week and caused damage in the dining room.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said the occupiers of the property had a "lucky escape".
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Heat from the tea light, which had not been placed in an appropriate candle holder, caused the window sill to catch fire, spreading to the blinds and window frame.
A smoke alarm alerted the residents to the blaze and they were able to leave the property unharmed.
A spokesperson from the brigade said: "Tea light candles can look pretty in people’s homes but if left unattended they can prove to be very dangerous and pose a great fire risk.
"Earlier this week occupants of a residential property in the West End of Newcastle had a lucky escape when a tea light caused a serious fire in their dining room.
"The heat from the tea light, which wasn’t placed in an appropriate tea light candle holder, had caused the window sill to catch fire, which in turn spread to the blinds and window frame.
"Smoke alarms previously fitted by TWFRS crews had alerted the occupants to the fire, resulting in them being able to safely leave the property and ring 999 to report the incident. Ultimately the working smoke alarms saved their lives.
"Downstairs the property had suffered severe smoke damage but as a result of the kitchen door being shut - this action protected the rest of the property from being severely damaged."
TWFRS says it can fit smoke alarms and heat detectors free of charge as part of its “Safe and Well” home visits, which can be arranged via the brigade's website or by calling the Freephone number 0800 032 7777.
