A mother has been left with first- and second-degree burns after a freak accident that occurred while blowing out a candle.
Ashley Brawley’s husband, Cody, took to Facebook to update loved ones on her progress – and to warn others to be careful.
The Brawleys keep a nanny-cam in their sitting room, for their young children. The camera managed to capture the terrifying incident that Cody recalled in the caption.
He explained that Ashley had had a three-wicked candle burning in the sitting room, for just under three-and-a-half hours.
Ashley grew concerned when she smelled something burning, and when she went to check on the candle, she discovered a six-inch flame.
The video shows Ashley trying and failing to blow out the candle’s flames, and then a giant flame blowing back into her face.
“The candle made a huge flame from just trying to blow it out. The flame engulfed her face, and hot wax splashed all over her face. It burnt her face and hair,” explained Cody.
Another video captured Ashley’s screams and her husband’s dash to try and help her, while their frightened little children grew upset in the sitting room.
A photo of Ashley lying on a hospital bed, her head covered in white bandages, revealed the extent of her injuries.
“She has first- and second-degree burns. She’s doing OK, but I wanted to post for anyone that has them (three-wicked candles) or is wondering how she was doing,” Cody added.
Cody’s post has gone totally viral, with a number of people taking to the comment section to tag their friends and share their own experiences.
Indeed, it seems this is a very common occurrence, with many people writing, ‘Remember that one time’!
“You can buy fake candles, and they look good and so safe. I never put a burning candle in a room with no one in it. Those three-wick candles can cause big fires. Keep the wick cut back each time before it’s lit,” advised one women.
“Trim the wicks before first use and before every use afterwards. This will help the flame burn lower!” added another.
We hope that Ashley makes a full and speedy recovery. Fair play to her and Cody for sharing this post – it’s a really important message that people need to be aware of.
