Fire Investigators issue candle warning following fire in Thornton Heath

Fire investigators have issued a candle safety warning after an unattended tea light candle ignited kitchen items when it was left on a worktop.

Firefighters were called to a blaze at a house with two floors on Kynaston Crescent in Thornton Heath.

The whole of the kitchen and half of the hallway was destroyed by fire. There was considerable smoke damage in the rest of the property which left it uninhabitable.

The house had no working smoke alarm and the Brigade was called when one of the residents smelt smoke and discovered the fire in the kitchen.

Two adults and four children left the property before the Brigade arrived. On arrival fire crews were told that the family’s cat was in the living room. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property, found the cat and rescued it. Fortunately no injuries are reported.

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.

“There were also no working smoke alarms in the property, so this is also a timely reminder to make sure you smoke alarms fitted in your home.

“Having working smoke alarms is so important in helping to detect fires and save lives. They can provide time to escape.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. They should be tested regularly."

 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 2153. The blaze was under control by 2231. Two fire engines and around ten firefighters from Norbury fire station attended the scene.