A FAMILY-OF-SIX escaped unscathed from a house fire caused by a candle that was being used during the ongoing power cut.

A neighbour saw a fire had broken out in their dining room, while the mother was upstairs with her children.

The family, who are currently staying with relatives as their Temple Hill home is now temporarily uninhabitable, was using candles due to the loss of electricity in the area.

Two fire engines from Dartford were called to the incident in Attlee Drive at 10.10 last night.

Firefighters say a candle fell over setting fire to an upholstered chair, causing severe damage to the dining room and kitchen.

Watch manager Craig Lloyd-Cowtan says the fire is an example of the dangers of using candles.

He said: “We understand people’s problems but there’s a heightened risk using naked flames.

“The first thing to do is be very careful using candles, make sure they are not put on flammable surfaces, and to keep them away from window sills and curtains.

“Ensure you have a working smoke alarm, this house had a smoke alarm but the battery had been disconnected.”

Mr Lloyd-Cowtan added: “It was lucky the neighbour raised the alarm and got them out.”

Thousands of people across Bexley, Dartford and the Orpington area lost their electricity supply after a fire broke out on a cable bridge in Dartford on Monday.

EDF Energy say vandals may have been responsible.

As a result of the power cut, firefighters say they have had an increase in fire alarm calls.

Mr Lloyd-Cowtan said: “We’re busier than usual with fire alarms. There’s been a handful going off as the power is being re-energised.”

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