Firefighters have reminded residents not to leave candles unattended after a flat fire on Warner Road in Camberwell.
The London Fire Brigade believe a tealight candle set fire to the ground floor flat of a five-storey residential building at around 1.52pm yesterday (Sunday, February 5).
A man suffering from smoke inhalation left the property before the brigade arrived and was rushed to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles, incense sticks and oil burners 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 that can easily catch fire.
“You should also ensure they are in a heat-resistant holder and placed on a stable surface, so they won’t be knocked over.”
Four fire engines and roughly 25 firefighters from the New Cross, Lambeth, Clapham and Old Kent Road fire stations had brought the blaze under control by 2.34pm.
Firefighters’ candle safety tips
- Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
- Place candles, incense and oil burners in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over.
- Keep them away from materials that might catch fire – that’s things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
- Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
- LED candles can be a great alternative – they’re safe even if you fall asleep or forget to blow them out.
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