Flat fire – Hounslow

Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters tackled a flat fire on Hibernia Road in Hounslow.

Part of a flat on the second floor of the building was damaged by fire. Around 50 people left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued three people who were in flats on the second floor and made welfare checks on the occupants of neighbouring properties. Three people were treated on scene.

The fire was discovered when a resident heard a bang and on investigation found a small fire in a bedroom.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by the unsafe use of a tea light candle.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "Candles are one of the most common causes of fires in the home and you should be careful when using them.

“It’s really important that you never leave them unattended and keep them away from anything that could catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes.

"We recommend swapping traditional candles for LED flameless ones as they are much safer, but if you do use real candles, follow our simple safety tips." 

The Brigade was called at 2141 and the fire was under control by 2229. Fire crews from Feltham, Twickenham, Southall, Heathrow and Hayes fire stations attended the scene.

Firefighters’ candle safety 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 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.