Firefighters are sharing their advice for using incense sticks carefully after a maisonette fire on Brighton Road in Coulsdon.
Part of the first floor of a split-level maisonette above a fast-food shop was damaged by fire. One man left the building before the Brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The alarm was raised when smoke alarms sounding inside the maisonette alerted a resident to the fire. On investigation they saw smoke coming from the top of a door. They then alerted other residents and left the property before calling 999.
The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was caused by the unsafe disposal of an incense stick.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson 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.
"These items should always be held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over, and make sure you put them out entirely when you leave the room and especially before bed.
“It's also really important that these objects are out and cold before disposing of them or putting them away.”
The Brigade was called at 0842 and the fire was under control by 0921. Two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from Purley and Wallington fire stations attended the scene.