The Bermuda Fire Service yesterday urged the public to read instruction booklets when operating generators and not to leave candles burning unattended after last week?s Island-wide blackout. Following Hurricane Fabian in 2003, four structural fires were caused by candles left burning, said Fire Service spokesman Lt. Dana Lovell.

Lt. Lovell advised people to leave a one foot safety area around the candle.

The public were also reminded not to hoard gasoline in their houses.

The Service also issued some simple guidelines for operating generators:

When filling generators always allow one-and-a-half inches below the neck;

If you spill any gas, you should wait for it to evaporate before starting the generator; and

Always allow the engine to cool down before filling it up again.