Devastating Blaze Rips Through Erith Home – Four Cats Dead
Four fire engines and 25 firefighters rushed to a fierce blaze at a house on St Brides Close in Erith. The fire gutted the first floor and the staircase linking the ground and first floor of the end-of-terrace property.
Damage spread to most of the ground floor, the staircase between the first and second floors, and parts of the second floor. Thankfully, five residents escaped before the firefighters arrived.
No Human Injuries, But Four Cats Found Dead
Miraculously, no human injuries were reported. However, four cats sadly perished in the fire. Fire investigators suspect the inferno erupted after an unattended candle or incense stick ignited nearby textiles.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Thankfully, smoke alarms inside the property gave the earliest possible warning. The fire started in a ground floor bedroom, allowing the resident time to escape.”
“Candles, incense, and oil burners are among the most common causes of home fires. Never leave them unattended and keep them well away from curtains or anything flammable.”
“Always use a suitable, fire-resistant holder that won’t topple over. And be sure to extinguish them completely when leaving the room or going to bed.”
Firefighters’ Top Tips for Candle Safety
- Always put out candles, incense, and oil burners when leaving the room or before sleeping.
- Use heat-resistant holders placed on stable surfaces to prevent tipping.
- Keep flames away from curtains, furniture, clothes, and hair.
- Be cautious with tea lights, as they can get extremely hot and melt plastic surfaces like TVs or baths.
- Consider LED candles as a safer alternative—they stay safe even if left unattended.
The blaze was reported at 12:01pm and brought under control by 2:03pm. Crews from Barking, Bromley, East Greenwich, and Eltham fire stations all battled the flames at the scene.
