FIREFIGHTERS broke down the front door of a flat to blow out a candle.

The crew from Turners Hill went to the first-floor flat in London Road, Crawley, just before 10.30pm yesterday.

They spent a few minutes using a hydraulic door opener to gain access to the flat because the occupier was not there.

Once in they found a candle alight on a window ledge and blew it out.

The occupier later returned home and was given safety advice.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said: "Candles in the home are now becoming a more and more popular way to add relaxation.

"This has seen a large increase in the number of candle-related incidents and is something to be aware of with Halloween coming up."