Firefighters are warning never to leave candles unattended after a flat fire on Park Road in Stratford.
Most of a three-roomed flat on the first floor of a two-storey, detached house was damaged by fire. Four residents left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led one man to safety from a first floor flat. He was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended tea light.
Station Commander, Michael Palmer, who was at the scene, said: “Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire. 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.
“On arrival crews found a lot of possessions and clutter inside the flat which made the incident challenging.
"Hoarding means exit routes can become blocked, making safe evacuation more difficult.
"Fires can also spread much faster, especially when there are flammable items such as newspapers or cardboard."
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.
• Place candles, incense and oil burners 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.
• Led candles can be a great alternative - they're safe even if you fall asleep or forget to blow them out.
The Brigade was called at 0921 and the fire was under control by 1033. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Stratford, Plaistow and Leytonstone fire stations attended the scene.