Flat fire – Camberwell

Firefighters have issued an urgent candle warning on Candle Fire Safety Week following a flat fire on Grove Park in Camberwell.

Part of a bedroom in a flat on the third floor of a converted, detached house was damaged by fire. Five people left the building before the Brigade arrived and one person was taken to hospital for a precautionary check.

The fire was discovered by a resident after they saw smoke coming from the top of the stairs on the third floor. On further investigation, they discovered a fire in the bedroom.

The Brigade’s Fire Investigators believe the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended tea light candle setting fire to nearby combustible materials.

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.

“This is a timely reminder on Candle Fire Safety Week to never leave candles 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 1455 and the fire was under control by 1650. Two fire engines from Peckham and Old Kent Road fire stations attended the scene.

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