Incident: Property Fire in Port Tennant in Swansea

At 10.33pm on Sunday, August 3^rd, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) crews from Swansea Central, Swansea West and Port Talbot Fire Stations were called to an incident in Port Tennant in Swansea.

Crews responded to a fire within a two-storey, semi-detached domestic property.  The fire was well developed and located in a bedroom on the property’s first floor.  Initial firefighting actions included utilising a 22mm hose reel jet to direct sufficient water flow on to the lintel of the affected room to help disperse water on to the fire. 

Bystanders outside the property believed that were still persons inside the property, so Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus sets were committed to entering the property.  Thankfully, following the extinguishment of the fire and a subsequent thorough search of the property, no casualties were found within the property.  In total, crews utilised six breathing apparatus sets, two hose reel jets, thermal imaging cameras and one short extension ladder to extinguish the fire.

This incident required a multi-agency response, with Fire and Rescue Service crews working closely with South Wales Police personnel to manage the scene.

Candle Safety Reminder

After extinguishing the fire, a Fire Investigation was undertaken, which identified that the fire was caused accidentally by a candle burning in the property.

MAWWFRS will always discourage the use of candles.  However, we understand that many people wish to use them for a variety of different reasons.

It’s important to remember that candles are an open flame which if left unattended or near flammable surfaces can cause devastation.

Remove the risk to you and your home by following some simple candle safety advice:

• Never leave lit candles unattended. Put burning candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re out completely once you have finished with them.  If you're going out, put it out.
• Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause the flame to flare. Always leave at least 10cm (4”) between two burning candles.
• Do not move candles once they are lit.
• Never light candles, burners or cigarettes when you are tired or sleepy.
• Always place candles or oil burners on a stable, heat-resistant surface. 
• Keep candles out of the reach of children.

More information on candle safety can be found here.