Firefighters were called to action after a report of a person trapped in a burning building.

Just after 8.30pm crews from Carlisle East, West and Brampton Stations raced to the fire.

The crews battled the blaze on Victoria Road, Carlisle searching for the trapped person.

A spokesman for the station said: "Crews discovered a ground floor flat was well alight on arrival. The property was quickly searched and the blaze brought under control by four breathing apparatus wearers, using two hose reels, thermal imaging cameras and a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the smoke.

"Fortunately the property was empty and nobody was hurt at the incident.

This week is Candle Safety week and the cause of this blaze was tea light candles which had been left unattended, which had spread to nearby flammable items and ignited and caused significant damage to the property.

"We would like to stress the importance of being extremely careful when using open flames.

"Never leave candles unattended and always ensure they are in an appropriate holder, keeping them well away from flammable items.

"Never use tea light candles on top of flammable objects as the base of these get extremely hot.

"Open flames, children, and pets are a bad combination. Always make sure that they are out of reach, and not able to be knocked over."

Station Manager Owen McCarney said: "Great work by all crews and without a doubt the use of offensive PPV proved vital in both crew safety and a swift resolution to the incident, as well as limiting damage to neighbouring properties.

"A lot of damage from one small tea light and thankfully all accounted for."