KENT Fire Brigade has urged the public to take more care when using candles and gas equipment.

A woman from Fens Way, Swanley, was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and burns to her legs after a fire started from a gas leak on the butane stove she was using. Gas leaking from a loose connection was ignited by candles used when the house had been hit by a power cut.

The house was severely damaged in the fire and another member of the household was also affected by the smoke.

For further information, call Station Officer David Wale on 01732 773999.