Flames Rip Through Ground Floor After Candle Left Unattended
A semi-detached house suffered significant ground floor damage after a fire sparked by a neglected candle. Thankfully, no one was injured.
Fire Investigators Blame Candle Negligence
London Fire Brigade’s investigators say the blaze started when a candle was left unattended. A brigade spokesperson warned: “Candles, incense sticks, and oil burners are among the top causes of house fires.”
“Never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything flammable — curtains, furniture, or clothes. Also, always keep internal doors closed in unused rooms to prevent smoke spreading during a fire.”
The property suffered heavy smoke damage because internal doors were left open.
Firefighters Share Candle Safety Top Tips
- Always extinguish candles, incense, and oil burners before leaving a room or going to bed.
- Use heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces to avoid knock-overs.
- Keep them away from anything flammable like curtains, clothes, and hair.
- Be cautious with tea lights—they get extremely hot and can melt through plastic surfaces like TVs or baths.
- Consider LED candles as a safe alternative—they won’t spark fires if forgotten or fallen asleep beside.
Firefighters Rush to Scene, Fire Quickly Contained
The blaze broke out at 3:40pm and was under control by 4:24pm. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Woodside, Addington, and croydon/" title="Croydon" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Croydon stations tackled the scene.
