London Fire Brigade have issued a candle safety warning after a house fire in Lewisham that is believed to have been accidentally caused by a candle.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from anything else that can easily catch alight.”
It took 25 firefighters from four fire stations, Lewisham, Lee Green, Greenwich and Deptford, approximately 68 minutes to get the fire under control. Part of the lower ground floor was damaged by the fire. One man left the building before the arrival of the Brigade and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.
Top candle safety tips
· Never leave a burning candle unattended.
· Keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and anything else that can catch fire.
· Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit.
· Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire-resistant candleholder.
· Make sure the candleholder holds the candle firmly on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.
· Ensure you have a working smoke alarm in every room where there’s a fire risk and remember to check them regularly.