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Homeowners are being told not to leave candles unattended after one woman had a lucky escape from her home.

Fire fighters in Essex have issued the warning after a house fire in Great Hallingbury was found to have been started by a candle.

The woman managed to escape the blaze and alert emergency crews, who arrived quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes, reports the Herts and Essex Observer.

Despite the fact that the woman escaped unharmed, the fire service is warning others that they might not be so lucky.

"If candles are being used, I urge people to put them in a holder on a fire resistant surface, never leave them unattended and place them away from curtains and furniture," Andrew Monk, Stansted Fire Station officer, told the newspaper.

"This lady had a very lucky escape as only three months ago, fire fighters carried out a requested home fire safety visit at the property and installed free smoke alarms. The alarms undoubtedly saved her life," he added.

Homeowners are also being urged to gather everyone together in the event of a fire and leave the house as quickly as possible.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service says people should not go back for pets, which usually make their own way out, or possessions, which should be covered by a © Adfero Ltd