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Insurers expect another surge in fires this winter with power prices set to double on last year, despite the £2,500 Energy Price Guarantee.

Nearly seven million people will light candles to curb steep increases in energy costs this winter, according to research by Zurich UK.

Yet they are dangerous if left unattended, with 11 people dying in fires caused by candles and 301 injured in the year to March, according to a Zurich analysis of Home Office data.

Fire crews tackled 940 blazes caused by candles in total, with the average repair bill a hefty £18,000.

Zurich expects the number of fires to rise even higher as gas and electricity bills will be almost double last year’s average of £1,277, despite the energy price cap.

If we suffer power cuts and winter blackouts as well, candle use will rise further, as will the danger of household blazes.

Last year, Zurich alone received 22 claims involving candles, including a £140,000 blaze from a flame that was left unattended.

Zurich’s property claims expert Paul Redington said candles can burn out of control in seconds, with devastating consequences. He said: “Always keep candles in secure holders, blow them out before leaving a room and ensure naked flames are well away from soft furnishings, such as curtains and duvets.”

He added: “Whether people are using candles out of choice or necessity, they must be aware of the potential dangers.”

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