Emergency services were called to a ground floor flat in Boughton at about 12.50 this morning.

Police officers were first at the scene and knocked down the door to get into the flat to pull the 50-year-old occupant out of the blaze.

Two fire engines from Chester arrived and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus doused the flames on the windowsill and walls of the lounge using a hose reel.

The fire was started by an unattended candle on the windowsill.

White Watch crew manager Chris Rodaway said: "The man was under the influence of alcohol and left the candle unattended and fell asleep.

"Subsequently the candle has ignited the windowsill and other material around it."

Firefighters used a positive pressure ventilation fan to clear the flat of smoke.

Cheshire Police spokesman Dave Murray said: "Police were first on the scene and forced entry into the flat and removed the occupant.

"A man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
"He remains in custody being questioned today."

Firefighter Michelle Green said: "It could have been serious if it weren't for the support of the neighbours and police.

"We would warn people not to leave candles unattended and to use alcohol sensibly if you're going to be lighting candles or cooking."

* FIREFIGHTERS spent more than three hours dousing a tree fire because the branches were hanging over power cables.

A man at Church Road, Saughall, was burning rubbish at the end of a paddock when a tree accidentally caught fire.

Firefighters had to use short sprays of hose reel to douse the flames.

White Watch crew manager Chris Rodaway said: "The tree was hanging over
high power cables and a pole-mounted sub station.

"You can't just go along to 3000 vaults of electricity and douse it with full power sprays."

Firefighters left the scene at about 9pm.

Mr Rodaway added: "It was a long and arduous task.

"I think the man was a bit embarrassed.

"If you're going to do controlled burning you should contact your local fire service to see if it is allowed in the authority."