Firefighters have issued candle safety advice after a man was rescued from a flat fire on Kingston Road in Raynes Park on Friday (22 April).
The fire damaged part of a flat above a shop and caused smoke damage to both the fire affected flat and a neighbouring flat.
The occupant of the flat where the fire started escaped before the Brigade arrived but the man in a neighbouring flat had to be led to safety down an internal stair case by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus. Both men were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service suffering from smoke inhalation.
Fire investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended candle being left too close to other flammable items in the flat.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire. It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.”
• Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire. Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles/tea lights when they are lit.
• Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder
• Make sure the candleholder holds the candle/tea light firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.
The Brigade was called at 2211 and the fire was under control by 2345. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Wimbledon, Tooting, New Malden ands Mitcham fire stations attended the incident.