A candle caused the house fire that killed Mark Fawke and his dog in Wallasey on the evening of Monday, October 19, a joint investigation has confirmed.
Fire crews were called to Mr Fawke's home on Beaufort Drive and arrived at 8.42pm to find the ground floor of the semi-detached house well alight, with smoke coming from the upper floor. Mr Fawke, a local football coach, and his dog were rescued from the property, and the blaze was extinguished at 9.06pm.
Emergency first aid was administered to Mr Fawke at the scene, but he was pronounced dead by paramedics before he could be taken to Arrowe Park Hospital. Firefighters also attempted to resuscitate his dog, but it also died at the scene.
Investigation findings and candle safety advice
The joint investigation between Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) and Merseyside Police found that the fire was caused by a candle. MFRS is now urging people to take extra care when using candles.
Between October 1 2025, and September 30, 2026, there were 33 accidental dwelling fires across Merseyside caused by candles. Of these incidents, 61% (20) occurred during the colder months between November and April, with a majority taking place between 5pm and 6am.
MFRS Head of Prevention Kevin Johnson said: “This is a tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life.
“Candles can create a warm and relaxing atmosphere in the home, particularly as the evenings get darker and winter approaches. However, if they are not used safely, they can quickly start a fire with devastating consequences.
“Our figures show that candle-related fires continue to pose a risk in homes across Merseyside, with the majority of these incidents occurring during the autumn and winter period and many taking place during the evening and overnight.
“We would urge everyone to think carefully about how and where they use candles. Never leave a lit candle unattended, always extinguish it when leaving a room or going to bed, and keep candles well away from anything that could catch fire.”
Safety tips and tributes to Mr Fawke
With the cooler weather approaching, MFRS is urging people to take steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Working smoke alarms can give you the time you need to escape. MFRS has said you should make sure your exit routes are clear and that doors within your property are closed at night. In the event of a fire, you should get out, stay out and call 999.
Top tips from the fire service include: never leave candles unattended; keep them away from anything that can burn; use a suitable holder on a stable, heat-resistant surface; keep candles out of reach of children and pets; never move a lit candle; consider battery-operated LED candles; and check smoke alarms on every level of your home.
In a tribute, Wallasey Village YFC said “hearts are broken” following the death of Mr Fawke, affectionately known as Fawksey. The club praised Mr Fawke for the time, energy and passion he devoted to grassroots football, saying his impact extended “far beyond the football pitch”.
The club said: “Mark, you were so much more than a coach. You were an inspiration to countless children across the Wirral, giving your time, energy and passion to ensure young players of all ages had the opportunity to learn, develop and most importantly enjoy the game you loved.
“The impact you made went far beyond the football pitch. You gave children encouragement, opportunities and memories they will carry with them for years to come.
“Wallasey Village YFC was incredibly lucky to have you as a coach and former committee member. We will always be grateful for your dedication, the players you helped develop and the lasting difference you made to so many young lives.
“Thank you Mark for everything you gave to grassroots football and to the countless children who were lucky enough to be coached by you. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. You will always be part of the Wallasey Village family. Rest in peace Mark.”
Port Sunlight Village FC, a team Mr Fawke played for, also paid tribute, describing the club as “absolutely devastated” by his death. In a statement on behalf of the players, the club said: “Mark was a cracking lad and someone who will be missed by so many. He was one of the senior members of our team, bringing a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, and always playing an important role in everything we did as a team.
“From the great nights out and the memories we shared to supporting our fundraising events and everything we tried to achieve together, Mark was integral to the club. His time, commitment and efforts were always hugely appreciated by the management and players alike.”
