More than twenty firefighters rushed to put out a blaze in Borough on Sunday (October 3) that they believe was caused by an incense burner.
Four fire engines carrying 25 firefighters attended the fire at a block of flats on Lambeth Road. Twenty people left the building before the brigade arrived. No one was injured but part of a first-floor flat was damaged. The Brigade was called at 2.20pm and the fire was under control by 3.15pm. Fire crews from Clapham fire station and Dowgate near Cannon Street attended.
Firefighters had a warning for people who light incense burners and candles in the wake of the fire.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire. It is really important that you never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything that could catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes.
“We advise to place these in a suitable fire resistant candleholder which won’t be knocked over, and make sure you put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed.”