Man treated by ambulance crews after candle sets house ablaze

A man was treated by ambulance crews after a fire – caused by a candle – ripped through the ground floor of a house yesterday afternoon.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lewisham, Lee Green, Greenwich and Deptford fire stations, attended the blaze in Forbury Road, Lewisham.

One man managed to escape the building before the arrival of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

Part of the lower ground floor of the house was damaged by the fire which is believed to have been accidental and caused by a candle.

The Brigade was called at around 4.30pm and the fire was under control by around 5.30pm. 

A LFB spokeswoman 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.”

The LFB issued a candle safety warning after the fire, advising people to keep candles away from curtains and furniture, Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit, make sure the candleholder is on a flat and stable surface and always place your candles and tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder. 

(Picture: LFB)