Firefighters have issued a candle safety warning after a flat fire on Fir Tree Gardens in Croydon.
Part of a four-roomed flat on the ground floor of a residential block was damaged by fire. Three people left the building before the Brigade arrived and were all taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by clothing hanging on the back of a door which came into contact with a tea light candle on a bedside table.
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: “Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire. We’d recommend swapping traditional candles for safer flameless LED alternatives, but if you do use real candles, it’s so important to never leave them unattended.
“Always make sure that they’re held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over and far away from anything that could catch fire, like clothes or curtains.
“This incident also shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms fitted inside the flat raised the alarm and residents then discovered the clothing alight on the back of a bedroom door.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts, providing time to escape. We encourage everyone to have smoke alarms fitted in every room where a fire could start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen. It's important to test them regularly.”
The Brigade was called at 1440 and the fire was under control by 1519. Three fire engines and around 15 firefighters from Woodside and Addington fire stations attended the scene.