Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging people to take extra care when using candles following a fatal house fire in Wallasey which was found to be caused by a candle.

Fire crews were called to a house fire on Beaufort Drive on the evening of Monday 19 October. Firefighters arrived on scene at 8.42pm to find the ground floor of a semi-detached house well alight, with smoke issuing from the upper floor.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property to search for occupants and tackle the fire. A man was rescued from the property and emergency first aid was provided, but he was sadly pronounced deceased by paramedics. Fire crews also attempted to resuscitate a dog, which also died at the scene.

A joint investigation between MFRS and Merseyside Police has found that the fire was caused by a candle.

Between October 1 2025, and September 30, 2026, there were 33 accidental dwelling fires across Merseyside caused by candles.

Of these incidents, 61% (20) occurred during the colder months between November and April, with a majority taking place between 5pm and 6am.

MFRS Head of Prevention Kevin Johnson said: “This is a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life.

“Candles can create a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the home, particularly as the evenings get darker and winter approaches. However, if they are not used safely, they can quickly start a fire with devastating consequences.

“Our figures show that candle related fires continue to pose a risk in homes across Merseyside, with the majority of these incidents occurring during the autumn and winter period and many taking place during the evening and overnight.

“We would urge everyone to think carefully about how and where they use candles. Never leave a lit candle unattended, always extinguish it when leaving a room or going to bed, and keep candles well away from anything that could catch fire.”

With the cooler weather approaching, MFRS is urging people to take important steps they can take to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Working smoke alarms can give you the time you need to escape. Make sure your exit routes are clear and that doors within your property are closed at night.

Remember, in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999.

Top tips for staying safe with candles

• Never leave candles unattended. Extinguish them whenever you leave the room, even for a short time, and before going to bed.
• Keep candles away from anything that can burn. This includes curtains, furniture, bedding, books and other combustible materials.
• Use a suitable holder. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface where they cannot easily be knocked over.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Never leave them unattended around them.
• Never move a lit candle. Allow it to cool completely before handling it.
• Consider safer alternatives. Battery-operated LED candles provide a flame-free option.
• Check your smoke alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them regularly.