Candle safety warning after Southgate house fire

Firefighters have issued a candle safety warning after a fire at a house in Madeira Road in Southgate.

Half of the loft conversion of the terraced house was damaged by fire. The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.

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.”

Top candle safety tips

• 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 1309 and the fire was under control at 1348. Four fire engines and around 20 firefighters and officers from Southgate, Finchley, Edmonton and Tottenham fire stations attended the scene.