FIREFIGHTERS are urging residents to be careful with candles after a householder was hospitalised with breathing difficulties after an incident in Lower Darwen.

Two crews from Blackburn station were called to a property in Aster Chase, off Stopes Brow, just after 12.15am today, after a smoke detector awoke a woman inside a home there.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus went into the property, with a hosereel jet and ventilation unit, to lead her to safety and disperse smoke. The woman was later taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.

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Watch manager Steve Hartley said: "Oxygen therapy was administered to the occupier by fire service personnel, who was then conveyed to hospital for a precautionary check. It is believed that the fire was caused by candles."

Mr Hartley is asking householders to ensure candles are always secured in flame-retardant holders, kept away from materials which may catch fire such as curtains or furniture, never burned in enclosed spaces and extinguished when left alone.