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Living room of west Belfast home damaged after Christmas decoration falls onto lit candle

The female resident had left the house for a short time and when she returned she discovered the blaze
The female resident had left the house for a short time and when she returned she discovered the blaze The female resident had left the house for a short time and when she returned she discovered the blaze

A LIVING ROOM in west Belfast has been destroyed in a fire caused by an unattended candle left burning too close to Christmas decorations.

The female resident had left the house in Nansen Street for a short time and when she returned she discovered the blaze.

A Christmas decoration had fallen onto a small candle, which had been left burning on the hearth.

The first service attended the blaze at the mid- terrace property on Tuesday at around 8.30pm. A smoke alarm was fitted in the house, but was not working.

There were no injuries, but the NIFRS has issued a warning of how quickly and easily a fire can take hold in the home at Christmas.

Group commander Geoff Somerville said: "Firefighters were quickly at the scene, two fire appliances from Springfield Fire Station attended and the fire was quickly extinguished.

"The house has been badly smoke damaged as a result of the incident. The Fire emergency support service was also in attendance to offer assistance to the householder.

"We are very grateful to the householder for her co-operation in highlighting the dangers of unattended candles in the home.

"Christmas is traditionally a busy time for NIFRS as incidences of fire in the home increase due to extra fire hazards such as candles, fairy tree lights, portable heaters, overloaded sockets and people using fires that have not been lit for some time.

"I'm asking people to give priority to fire safety and not to become complacent about it over Christmas."

Meanwhile, Derry City and Strabane district council have issued a warning to the public of the consequences of damaging Christmas decorations.

A vast network of lights and trees have been assembled in towns across the district, including Derry, Strabane, Castlederg, Newtownstewart and Sion Mills.

The tree in Strabane town centre has been damaged by vandals on a number of occasions and the council has warned people to respect the decorations, warning of the potential dangers of interfering with them.

Conor Canning from the council said: "It’s a shame to see the decorations being vandalised, particularly so soon after the success of the recent Christmas switch-on events," he said.

"It’s not just an attack on the community but it is potentially very dangerous given the electrical equipment involved and the size of the trees Council has erected.

"We would like to remind people that the decorations are there for everyone to enjoy throughout the festive season.

"We would urge everyone to respect this and warn those responsible that action will be taken by the PSNI against anyone engaging in such acts of vandalism."