Unattended candle sparks Tottenham house fire

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters were called to a fire at a house in Tottenham last night – believed to be caused by an unattended candle.

Most of the first floor of the two storey mid-terraced house in Tower Gardens Road was destroyed by fire with smoke damage throughout the top floor.

One man and one woman left the property before London Fire Brigade arrived. Both were treated by crews on scene for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire is believed to be due to an unattended candle.

Station officer Peter Campbell, who was at the scene, he said: “Crews arrived on scene to a well developed fire in the bedroom on the first floor. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus worked hard to extinguish the fire quickly to prevent it spreading to nearby properties.

“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 fire brigade was called at 8.06pm on Thursday (6th) and the fire was under control by 9.08pm. Crews from Tottenham, Hornsey, Stoke Newington fire stations were at the scene.

Firefighters’ candle safety tips

• 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.