Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters tackled a house fire on Alderton Road in Croydon.
The first floor of the two-storey mid-terraced house was destroyed by fire. Half of a loft conversion was also damaged by fire. One man who left the property was rescued by firefighters from the roof of a neighbouring property via a nine-metre ladder. Three other people left the house before firefighters arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.
The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by a tea candle left unattended.
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 a candle unattended and keep them away from anything that can easily catch fire.
"You should also ensure they are in a heat-resistant holder and placed on a stable surface, so they won’t be knocked over."
The Brigade's 999 Control Officers received five calls about the incident.
The Brigade was called at 2002 and the fire was brought under control by 2059. Crews from Croydon, Woodside and Beckenham fire stations attended the scene.
· 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.