The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a warning about candle safety ahead of Christmas after a flat fire in south London.
Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle placed near combustible materials.
Around 40 firefighters and six fire engines responded to the blaze on Stockwell Lane in Stockwell on Monday evening when the fire broke out in a four-room maisonette on the second and third floors of a four-storey building.
Part of the property was damaged, with two people treated on the scene by the London Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.
In their statement, LFB said they were alerted to the incident at 7.36pm, and crews from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton and other surrounding stations were sent to the scene, with firefighters bringing the fire under control by 8.27pm.
LFB also said most candle fires are preventable and urged people to take extra care during the festive period.
They also issued the below advice:
- Never leave candles, incense sticks or oil burners unattended
- Always extinguish them when leaving a room and especially before going to bed
- Use heat-resistant holders on a stable surface
- Keep naked flames away from decorations, curtains, papers, furniture and clothing
- Keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children and pets
- Use proper holders for tea lights, which can become hot enough to melt plastic surfaces
