House fire - Hayes

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to a fire at a semi-detached house on York Avenue in Hayes. 

A lean-to attached to the property on the ground floor was destroyed and most of the roof was also damaged by the fire. Half of the roof of a neighbouring semi-detached house was also damaged by the blaze. Four residents from one property and nine residents from an adjoining property left the buildings before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries. 

The Brigade's Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended oil lamp. 

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

"We advise to place these in a suitable fire resistant candleholder which won’t be knocked over, and make sure you put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed.”

Firefighters' candle safety top tips

• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• These items should always be held firmly 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 especially careful if you have a lot of flammable items in your home, like collections of books, magazines or papers. 
• Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
• To avoid accidents keep candles and other naked flames out of reach of children and pets.

The Brigade was called at 2345 and the fire was under control by 0119 (Tuesday). Fire crews from Hillingdon, Hayes, Heathrow and Northolt fire stations attended the scene.