It is National Candle Safety Week this week (16 – 22 October) and people across North Wales are encouraged to take on board some basic advice to snuff out the risk of fire in their homes.

Kevin Roberts, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "People tend to use candles more during the winter months and especially over the Christmas period. Candles are very popular and can create a pleasant and relaxing environment, but it is important that people are aware of the dangers that they can pose.

"We advise people to use the battery operated tea light candles, which can be purchased for a small cost and are very realistic but much safer than candles that require a flame. These electronic candles are just as effective and could really be mistaken for the real thing…just much safer.

“Last month we attended an incident in Threapwood where four people were trapped in their property and taken to hospital as a result of a candle being left unattended. Although the fire was confined to the room of origin the entire property was heavily smoke logged which prevented the occupiers from escaping down the stairs.”

It is vitally important that residents who do continue to use wax candles follow the safety advice below:

- Never leave a candle unattended and remember to extinguish it before you go to sleep

- Make sure the candle is standing up straight and is fixed firmly so it cannot fall over - scented candles turn to liquid so always burn them in a suitable glass or metal container that can withstand heat and that the liquid cannot leak from

- Always place candles on a heat resistant surface

- Keep candles out of draughts, away from curtains and sources of direct heat or sunlight

- Always leave at least 10cm between candles and never place them under shelves or other surfaces

- Extinguish candles before they burn the holder

- Burn all candles well out of reach of children or pets

- Always put candles out before you move them

- Always fit a smoke alarm to your property but consider an extra smoke alarm in rooms where candles are burnt regularly

- Do not lean across candles

- Outdoor candles should never be used indoors

- Do not play with candles by putting anything else into the hot wax.