Firefighters are warning about the dangers of leaving candles unattended after a fire at a flat on Bulstrode Road in Hounslow.
Part of a ground floor flat in a four-storey semi-detached building was damaged by the fire.
The resident inside the affected flat was woken by a smoke alarm and left the building before the Brigade arrived. A further three people also left the building before the Brigade arrived. The alarm was also raised by a neighbour who saw smoke coming from the front windows of the property and called 999. There were no reports of any injuries.
The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended candle igniting combustible materials.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Candles are one of the most common causes of fire in the home.
"We recommend you swap your wax candles for flameless candles which take away the risk.
"But if you are going to use candles, follow our tips on how to use them safely.
"This incident is also a timely reminder to make sure you have smoke alarms fitted throughout your home. Fortunately, this resident was alerted to the fire in their flat by a smoke alarm and got out uninjured."
1. Swap candles for flameless, LED candles which are much safer
2. Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
3. Always place candles firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over.
4. Keep them away from materials that might catch fire – that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.
5. Be especially careful if you have a lot of flammable items in your home, like collections of books, magazines or papers.
6. Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
7. To avoid accidents keep candles and other naked flames out of reach of children and pets.
The Brigade was called at 0653 and the fire was under control by 0741. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Heston and Feltham fire stations attended the scene.