Tonight the country will mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I by turning their lights out between 10pm and 11pm.
We fully supports this event, but wants to remind people to take extra care, especially those who plan to light a candle.
Our top three candle safety tips are:
1) Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder.
2) Always put the candleholder on a heat resistant surface like a ceramic plate.
3) Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire.
We’ll also be marking the occasion and staff at stations, control and other offices will turn off all non-essential lights for the hour.
Around 17 million soldiers and civilians lost their lives during WWI. Over 30 London firefighters lost their lives as a direct result of the conflict, 29 fighting overseas.Three more firefighters: Fireman J. S. Green, Fireman A. A. Vidler and Fireman C. A. Henley, died while on duty in the capital between 1914 and 1918.
Little is spoken about the aerial bombardment London faced during the Great War. In total, 922 bombs were dropped over the course of WWI, of which 567 were high explosives and 355 were incendiaries in the form of oil bombs.
Mark Hazelton, Community Safety Group Manager for London Fire Brigade, said:
“If you are planning to participate in Lights Out or know someone who is, please make sure you use your candles safely.
“You should make sure candles are kept well away from anything that could catch fire like clothing, otherwise the results can be catastrophic. It’s also very important to put candles out when you leave the room.”
To find out more about the history of the Brigade, visit our museum