A fierce blaze tore through a first-floor flat on Hunting Place, Hounslow, on the evening of October 22, 2025. London Fire Brigade raced to the scene, rescuing 16 people using fire escape hoods and treating eight for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters Rescue 16 from Smoke-Choked Flat
The fire ravaged the flat’s entire first floor. Fire crews handed out special fire escape hoods, which filter deadly smoke and gases for up to 15 minutes, to lead residents to safety. These lifesaving hoods were introduced in 2018 after the Grenfell Tower disaster.
Ambulance crews treated eight people for smoke inhalation on-site. The blaze was contained by 8.34pm, after emergency calls came flooding in at 7.14pm. Fire units rushed from Heston, Feltham, Southall, and Hammersmith to battle the flames.
Candle Blamed for Devastating Fire
Investigators believe a candle sparked the inferno. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson warned: “Candles are one of the most common causes of home fires. Never leave them unattended and keep them away from curtains, furniture or clothes.”
They urged the public to switch to safer LED flameless candles. For those who prefer the real thing, following simple safety tips is crucial to avoid disaster. The Brigade also promoted their Home Fire Safety Checker for personalised fire risk advice.
Top Candle Safety Tips to Protect Your Home
- Always extinguish candles, incense, and oil burners before leaving a room or going to bed.
- Use heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces to prevent tipping and accidents.
- Keep candles well away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, clothing, and hair.
- Be cautious with tea lights—they get extremely hot and can melt plastic if not placed properly.
- Keep open flames out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidents.
This fire is a stark reminder: candles can be deadly if not treated with respect. Stay vigilant, follow safety tips, and keep your home safe!
