Fire crews were called to a bedroom fire which is believed to have sparked by a candle which was left unattended.

Four fire engines attended a house in The Street in West Hougham, Dover just before 6am today.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames. They left just after 7am.

One ambulance crew attended and three patients were assessed following smoke inhalation but did not require further hospital treatment.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s volunteer response team was also on-hand to provide support and advice to the affected residents.

The service has now issued advice when lighting candles.

“Make sure they are fitted in a suitable candle holder and placed on a non-flammable surface, well away from anything which could catch alight, such as curtains, bedding, and plants,” they say.

“Also, remember not to leave them unattended and make sure they are fully extinguished before going out or to sleep.”