Firefighters are sharing advice on using incense sticks safely after rescuing a woman from a flat fire on Benthal road in Hackney.
A small part of a ground floor flat in a mid-terraced house was damaged by fire. One woman left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued another woman from the affected flat, who was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by incense sticks which were left unattended.
Station Officer Jason Butcher, who was at the scene, said: “We were called by a neighbour who heard smoke alarms sounding in the flat below. On arrival firefighters found a small fire behind the front door of the property and worked quickly to bring it under control.
“Incense sticks, candles and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire within homes. It’s really important that you never leave these items unattended.
"Make sure you place incense sticks in a suitable, fire-resistant holder and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire. Remember to put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed.”
Firefighters' top candle and incense safety tips
• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
• Place candles, incense and oil burners in heat-resistant holders and place them on a stable surface where they won't be knocked over.
• Keep them away from materials that might catch fire - 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.
The Brigade was called at 0418 and the fire was under control by 0519. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Stoke Newington and Homerton fire stations attended the scene.