Fire bosses are warning about the dangers of naked flames after a blaze destroyed a flat in Blackpool last night.



Crews were called to an address on Newton Drive at around 11.30pm.

One resident of a nearby property had to be helped to safety.

The fire was caused accidently by an unattended candle melting and falling into a bin in the bedroom setting fire to its contents and then the curtains.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Fire & Rescue said: ''We attended an incident involving a first floor flat in a block of three flats. On arrival fire crews were faced with visible flames from a first floor window and two occupants had escaped the fire.

''It became quickly apparent that a resident of an adjacent flat was in distress and needed to be assisted to safety by fire crews and given first aid. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire using 6 Firefighters in breathing apparatus and two water jets. The fire was caused accidently by an unattended candle melting and falling into a bin in the bedroom setting fire to its contents and then the curtains.

Extensive damage to the flat meant the occupants had to seek alternative accommodation. The fire service would like to highlight the dangers of naked flames and candles and the ease at which a fire can happen if candles are left unattended.''