A fire believed to have been caused by tealight candles used in a powercut has left a flat in Aberfoyle "severely" damaged.
Fire crews from Stirling, Doune, Callander and Aberfoyle were called to the three-storey block of flats just after 9am this morning (Friday).
The fire is believed to have started in the livingroom of a ground floor flat and was extinguished by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and using one hose reel jet and one main delivery jet.
Although the fire was extinguished just after 10am, crews remained at the scene until 1.30pm damping down and providing assistance to the occupants. No one was injured in the fire.
Gordon Pryde, Group Manager Community Safety, said:
"The recent storms have caused power cuts in many places and we believe the candles were being used for this purpose. We would advise everyone where possible to use torches if they find themselves in this situation. However if they are using candles, we want to ensure they are using them safely.
"Candles should never be left unattended and should always be placed in appropriate holders. They should also be placed well away from electrical items and soft furnishings.
"We want people to be safe in their homes and aware of the risks that candles can pose. In this instance, a home has been destroyed and this is devastating for the occupants."
More advice on candle safety and general fire safety in the home can be found by clicking on this link.
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