Loo melts after lit candle left on top of cistern

A washroom has been left badly damaged after a candle was left to burn all day on the cistern of a toilet.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at about 17:20 BST on Tuesday to a flat in Newland Road, Kettering.

It said the flat owner forgot the candle was lit and it burned the toilet seat lid and melted the cistern.

The blaze was put out, the flat was cleared of heavy smoke and crews left at about 18:40, the fire service said.

The two female occupants left the building before crews arrived, it added.

The service said: "Remember, when using candles please make sure they are in sturdy, heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces, and not placed on or near plastic surfaces.

"Keep them away from other flammable items such as curtains and bedding."

It also warned people not to leave them unattended and to "try putting a timer on your phone to remind you to extinguish it".

"Candles shouldn't be used if you are sleepy or if you have been drinking as you may fall asleep leaving it burning," it added.

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