Blaze Rips Through Fifth-Floor Flat on Westbourne Park Road
A fierce fire has devastated a fourth-room flat on the fifth floor of a block on Westbourne Park Road, Royal Oak. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has blamed the blaze on the unsafe use of a candle, and issued a stark candle safety warning.
Residents Flee as Firefighters Tackle the Flames
Three residents evacuated the building before emergency teams arrived, with no injuries reported. Fire crews swung into action fast, deploying six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Paddington, Kensington, and West Hampstead.
One of the brigade’s 32-metre turntable ladders was used as an observation tower to fight the fire from above. Control officers logged the first of 15 emergency calls at 8:14 pm, and the blaze was finally under control by 10:02 pm.
LFB Issues Grim Candle Safety Warning
Following the incident, the London Fire Brigade warned the public about the dangers of unattended candles. An LFB 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 that can easily catch alight.”
The spokesperson urged people to switch to battery-powered, flameless LED candles, adding:
“While LED candles may cost more upfront, they last considerably longer, offering better value for money.”
Top Candle Safety Tips from the Fire Brigade
- Always place candles in a heat-resistant holder on a stable surface
- Keep candles well away from flammable items
- Never leave candles unattended
- Take extra care if children or pets are nearby
- Blow out all candles before bed
The Brigade’s Home Fire Safety Checker is available online, offering personalised advice to help cut fire risks at home.
Fire Still Under Investigation
Firefighters have fully extinguished the blaze, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Investigations into the cause remain ongoing.
