Teens who left a candle burning in a bedroom caused a house fire in Maidstone last night.

Firefighters have warned about the danger of leaving candles unattended after the fire in Oxford Road.

It was reported at about 6.50pm by a 17-year-old boy, who was in the house at the time with his friend and younger sister.

Maidstone crew manager Tony Brown said: "Fortunately the boy heard the smoke alarms sounding and did exactly the right thing in getting out of the house and phoning 999."

Firefighters said they arrived within minutes and found a "well developed" fire and plumes of smoke billowing out of the bedroom window. They had to use breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze, and used a thermal imaging camera to ensure it had not spread to other rooms.

The 17-year-old was able to confirm that everyone was safely out of the house.

The bedroom was severely damaged by fire and the rest of the house was smoke-logged. It was declared uninhabitable on the night.

The scene was attended by the Red Cross Victim Support Unit to offer advice and help to the victims.

Mr Brown added: "The boy told us he had been using candles in his bedroom, which he believed he had put out before going downstairs. As this incident highlights it is imperative that candles are never left unattended and are always extinguished properly after use."

Firefighters said that candles should never be left unattended. They should be placed on a heat resistant surface, not plastic, and that nothing should be allowed to fall into the hot wax. Keep them away from flammable objects, out of draughts and away from children and pets.