The London Fire Brigade has issued a “candle safety warning” following a dicey home fire in Peckham late last week.
Flames swept through the maisonette on Carlton Grove, Peckham, in the early hours of Friday morning (25 February), damaging half of the first floor.
Two men escaped from the property relatively unscathed before firefighters arrived, yet one was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation and later taken to hospital in an ambulance.
“When firefighters arrived most of the front of the first floor of the property was alight,” said sub-officer Phil Davies, who attended the scene. “Crews worked hard to prevent the fire spreading to any of the neighbouring properties.”
Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from across New Cross, Peckham and Old Kent Road spent hours trying to quell the fire.
Firefighters were first altered to the blaze at 01:58 a.m. Friday morning and managed to bring the flames under control by 03:19 a.m.
Investigators at the Brigade believe the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.
“Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire,” said Davies. “We’d recommend swapping traditional candles for safer flameless LED alternatives, but if you do use real candles, it’s so important to never leave them unattended.”
Firefighters said the house fire demonstrates the importance of having smoke alarms fitted in your home, and ensuring they are working.
“The occupants were alerted to the blaze by smoke alarms and the early warning allowed them to get out safely and call 999,” said sub officer Davies.
He added: “You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom. They should be tested regularly.”
The Brigade issued a number of candle safety tips, following the Peckham fire. These include
- Making sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed
- Keeping them away from materials that might catch fire – like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
- Being aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.