Marriage proposal goes astray as 100 candles lit by boyfriend set apartment ablaze
A hopeless romantic’s plan to stage an over-the-top marriage proposal cost him most of his belongings this week, after the 100 candles he lit to set the mood ignited a three alarm fire.
It happened in Sheffield in the United Kingdom, and the fire department released details via a tongue-in-cheek Facebook post that included photos of an ash-filled apartment.
The couple — identified as Albert Ndreu and Valeria Madevic by Dream Weddings magazine — escaped injury because Ndreu set up the scene before leaving to pick up Madevic.
“Look closely at these photos and you’ll see lots of burnt out tea lights. Hundreds of them. These were lit by a chap in his Sheffield flat, as he prepared to pop the question to his girlfriend,” the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue explained.
“Balloons were up and wine glasses were at the ready. However, after going round the corner to collect his fiancé-to-be, ready for the romantic moment, he came back to find the flat on fire and three fire engines on the way! Fortunately this was dealt with quickly by our crews and nobody was injured.”
News outlets in Europe have kidded Ndreu relentlessly, with stories about his “fiery love” and “burning passion.”
However, he seems to be taking it well, telling the BBC he still got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and proposed in the ashes. Madevic said yes, the fire department reported.
The couple are staying with relatives for the time being, and plan to wed next year, Madevic told the BBC.
The fire department concluded its Facebook post by wishing the couple well, adding: “We await our wedding invite!”
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 12:44 PM.