The bedroom of an apartment in Westmount Road was severely damaged after an unattended incense burner set light to newspapers and magazines and the flames spread to nearby furniture.
The occupant was unharmed but a pet hamster died after becoming overcome by smoke.
In a statement, the Fire and Rescue Service said the fire, which started just before noon on Sunday, could have been worse if the bedroom door had not been closed.
‘The closed bedroom door contained the fire and prevented it spreading, although there was some smoke damage to other rooms.
‘The fire had generated enough heat to crack the bedroom window and cause some of the ceiling plasterboard to fail, so the closed door prevented much more extensive damage,’ they said.
Crew commander Andy Gallie added: ‘Jersey Fire and Rescue would like to remind the public about ensuring all candles, tea lights, incense burners or other similar items with a naked flame are properly extinguished prior to leaving the premises or going to bed.
‘It can take mere seconds for a flame to set light to nearby household items, with potentially devastating results.’
