Fire Breaks Out Over Hot Towels in London Spa!
700 Evacuate After Basement Blaze
A fire sparked in a basement corridor, set off by stacked towels catching fire. Around 700 people quickly evacuated before the London Fire Brigade arrived. Thankfully, nobody was hurt.
Self-Heating Towels to Blame
Officials say the blaze likely started from towels that heated themselves in the spa’s laundry area. The London Fire Brigade warned this is a common hazard when textiles contaminated with oils – like linseed, massage, or cooking oils – are left in tumble dryers.
“These types of fires frequently involve textiles contaminated with oil, most commonly linseed, massage, and cooking oil on tea towels, tablecloths, and chef whites,” a brigade spokesperson said. “Always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before washing.”
How Tumble Dryers Can Turn Towels Into Fire Traps
When oily fabrics go through a hot cycle, the heat can get trapped inside. This builds up the temperature until the materials start to smoulder and spark flames.
The brigade advised: “Use the cooling cycle after drying to let towels cool properly before stacking.”
Rapid Response Quells Fire
The brigade was called at 6.37pm and had the fire out by 7.35pm. Fire crews from Dowgate, Shoreditch, Whitechapel, and Soho rushed to the scene to stop the blaze from spreading.
