Firefighters have issued a reminder of their candle safety advice following a fire at a house converted into flats on Grenfell Road in Mitcham.
Part of a three roomed flat on the first floor of a three storey house was destroyed by fire.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly extinguished the fire. The communal staircase was full of smoke so fire crews rescued three people via a nine metre ladder at the front of the property. One woman and one man were treated on scene and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service (LAS). One baby boy and one baby girl were also assessed by LAS and taken to hospital for precautionary checks. A further ten people evacuated the building before the Brigade arrived.
The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a candle. There were no smoke alarms inside the property where the fire started.
Station Officer Edmund Gonzales was at the scene and said: “Candles 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 else that can easily catch alight.
“Consider using battery-powered, flameless LED candles instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep. Whilst they may cost more upfront than traditional candles, they will last considerably longer, giving you better value for money.
“If you do choose to use traditional candles ensure you place them in a heat-resistant holder, on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over and away from materials that could catch fire. Never leave them unattended around your home, take particular care with children and pets and blow them out properly before you go to bed.
"This incident shows just how important it is to have working smoke alarms fitted on every level of your home.
“Smoke alarms give the earliest possible warning when a fire starts and we would urge everyone to make sure they have one fitted in every room where a fire can start except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.”
“We also recommend taking some time to carry out a few simple checks to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. The Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker can guide you around your home and provide you with specific advice to reduce fire risks.”
Control Officers took their first of three calls at 2039 and mobilised four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Tooting, Mitcham and Wimbledon fire stations to the scene. The fire was under control by 2219.