Clapham house fire prompts safety reminder about candles

The London Fire Brigade has issued a reminder on the safe use of candles after a house fire broke out in Clapham.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a house under renovation on Honeywell Road in Clapham at 12:52pm last Saturday (September 4).

Two people left the house before the Brigade arrived and were treated by emergency services at the scene while fire crews from Clapham, Battersea, Wandsworth and Tooting fire stations tackled the blaze.

By 2:07pm the fire was under control, leaving half of the first floor of the three-storey semi-detached house damaged. The Brigade's fire investigators believe the blaze was accidental and involved a candle.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire.

"It's really important that you never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything that could catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes."

Firefighters' top candle safety tips

• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• Place candles, incense and oil burners in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won't be knocked over.
• Keep them away from materials that might catch fire - that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
• Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
• Led candles can be a great alternative - they're safe even if you fall asleep or forget to blow them out.