Candle safety warning issued after Kentish Town house fire

Firefighters have issued a warning to never leave candles unattended after a fire at a house on Ascham Street in Kentish Town in the early hours of this morning.

Part of the ground floor was damaged in the blaze. Fortunately no injuries are reported.

It’s believed the residents left the property to celebrate the new year and on returning to the house discovered the smoke alarms actuating.

Watch Manager Matt Gregory was at the scene and 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 anything that can easily catch fire.

“This incident is also a timely reminder about the importance of having working smoke alarms in your property. Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on every level of their home. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen.”

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.
• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

The Brigade was called at 0033 and the fire was under control at 0111. Four fire engines from Kentish Town, Holloway and Euston fire stations attended the scene.