Candle sparks apartment fire and a caution from fire inspector

Fire officials are urging caution after alit candle left unattended during a gathering caused a small fire in an apartment in the Ellen's Creek area ofCharlottetown Sunday night.

A plastic bowl next to the candle caught fire, then a wall closeto the container also ignited.

A neighbour was alerted by a smoke detectorin the building and hurried overwith a fire extinguisher,quickly putting out the fire.

'Lights are a risk'

Fire InspectorKent Mitchell said the apartment has some light smoke, soot and fire damage but no one waswas injured.

Mitchell said it is a cautionary tale.

"Candle safety and Christmas tree safety is what we like to stress this time of year. Don't leave anything like that unattended."

Tenants insurance is also important for renters to consider, he said.

"We seem to be doing a lot more celebrating Christmas trees are a risk, lights are a risk, anything electrical puts your risk up a bit," Mitchell said.

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