A Senior Fire Safety Officer is appealing to families celebrating Halloween to be especially careful with candles following a fire in a Colwyn Bay flat yesterday where a woman was hospitalised.

Crews from Colwyn Bay and Llandudno were called to the flat on Abergele Road, Colwyn Bayat 16. 03hrs yesterday, Wednesday 30^th October after a breeze from an open window caused the curtains to come into contact with a nearby candle. The curtains were set alight and the female occupant was taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Terry Williams, Head of Community Safety for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

"Yesterday's incident shows just how dangerous candles can be. Every year at Halloween, many adults and children are injured in accidents where lighted candles or fireworks have ignited flammable costumes and hair. Plastic capes and bin liners, often used as costumes, are also fire risks.

"Homemade lanterns made from hollowed pumpkins and candles are extremely hazardous. If the candle tips over it could set light to materials such as costumes, curtains, clothes and furniture and start a serious fire.

"Lanterns should never be made from plastic bottles or other containers. This would be very dangerous and if handled carelessly could result in burns and also cause a fire."