Blaze Breaks Out in Third-Floor Flat – Unattended Candle to Blame
A part of a third-floor flat in an eight-storey block was left damaged after a fiery nightmare sparked by an unattended candle. Luckily, the occupant escaped unharmed before firefighters arrived on the scene.
Flames Caused by Careless Candle Use
Fire investigators have ruled the blaze accidental, sparked when a candle left burning on a wicker basket ignited a nearby blind. The heat also triggered an aerosol in the basket to explode, worsening the fire.
Station Officer Tony Aston-O’Donovan, who led the efforts at the scene, praised the firefighters’ swift response. “Crews made a good initial attack and quickly contained the blaze to the flat’s living room,” he said.
The resident was alerted by a smoke alarm, left the flat safely, closed the door behind her, and called 999 – exactly as you should.
Fire Safety Warnings from the Brigade
“Candles, incense sticks and oil burners remain one of the top causes of house fires,” warned Station Officer Aston-O’Donovan. “Never leave them unattended. Always use sturdy, fire-resistant holders that won’t tip over. Keep them well clear of anything flammable and make sure to snuff them out completely before leaving the room or going to bed.”
Firefighters’ Candle Safety Top Tips
- Always extinguish candles, incense, and oil burners when leaving a room or before bedtime.
- Use stable, heat-resistant holders to prevent knock-overs.
- Keep all flames away from curtains, furniture, clothes, hair, and flammable clutter like books and papers.
- Be cautious with tea lights – they get extremely hot and can melt plastic surfaces.
- Keep candles away from children and pets.
- Consider swapping to LED candles – they’re safer and won’t cause fires if forgotten.
The fire brigade was called just before 7.40pm and had the blaze under control by 8.33pm. Around 40 firefighters from six stations raced to the rescue, including teams from Wembley, Acton, Ealing, Chiswick, Northolt, and Park Royal.
