AN unattended incense stick left to smoulder caused a fire in a West Fife home yesterday (Monday).

Three fire engines from Dunfermline and one from Lochgelly rushed to the two-storey house on the Saline to Oakley road after being alerted at 10.34am. Crews arrived to find the dining room well alight and neighbours reported that there could be people inside.

However, all occupants were safe and accounted for, and no one was injured.

Firefighters had to cut away internal walls to get to the flames and Scottish Power were contacted to isolate the electricity supply.

Station manager Mark Bryce said, “When our crews arrived they were confronted with a significant fire in the ground floor of the property.

“Firefighters worked hard, cutting into the wall cavity and roof space to extinguish the fire and prevent further fire spread.

“The crews then used a thermal imaging camera to check for any hot spots.” The fire was put out by 12.50pm but one fire engine remained on site until after 5pm with crews damping down hot spots and cutting away affected timbers.

Mark warned of the dangers of leaving incense sticks and candles unattended and underlined the importance of working smoke alarms.

He added, “The fire had started due to an incense stick being left lit and unattended. We would urge everyone to be very careful when using incense sticks.

“The very nature of incense sticks make them a fire risk and, like candles, if they have to be used they should be handled responsibly and safely, kept away from other items and materials.

“You can prevent this from happening by placing incense sticks in fire resistant holders and making sure they’re placed well away from anything that could burn.

“When you have finished with an incense stick douse the tip in water and break it off. The remainder can then be relit later.

“Whether you are using incense sticks or candles to scent or decorate your home please remember to extinguish them before you go to sleep and never leave them unattended even for a second.

“If you must use candles please ensure they are in a noncombustible candle holder and placed on a noncombustible surface.

“We provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required. If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service freephone number 0800 0731 999 or by texting ‘check’ to 61611.

“You can also fill out a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk or contact your local community fire station.”