FIREFIGHTERS have issued a warning about the dangers of using candles in the home after eight house fires in the past two months.
Two of the blazes took place in Northallerton within two weeks of the New Year. Both were caused by people leaving candles unattended.
Members of the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership are now trying to raise awareness of the importance of using them safely.
Northallerton Fire Station watch manager Nigel Kaye said: "The use of candles in the home has been increasing steadily over a number of years.
"They have turned from a purely functional product to a lifestyle product.
"The Northallerton fires left two homes with considerable damage, and, although no one was injured, they were both avoidable events.
"We want people to understand that candles can be lethal, they must not be left unattended and they must be extinguished correctly."
However, in the wrong hands they will cause mass destruction.
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