Bermondsey blaze prompts renewed candles warning

A fire in a shop storeroom has prompted a fresh reminder from the London Fire Brigade about the perils of unattended candles.

The storeroom at the rear of the shop in Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey, was destroyed by fire on Saturday evening, and was believed to have been caused accidentally by candles.

The blaze caused smoke logging throughout the ground floor and crews ventilated the property. About 20 people left the building before the brigade arrived. There were no reports of any injuries.

The brigade’s 999 control officers took 11 calls to the fire.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman 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 brigade was called just before 6.30pm and the fire was under control just after 8pm. Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters from Dockhead, Old Kent Road, New Cross and Deptford fire stations attended the scene.

The brigade’s top tips for safe use of candles include taking them away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire.

It also advises to keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit, always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire-resistant candleholder ands make sure the candleholder holds the candle firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.

Pictured top: The affected storeroom in Southwark Park Road (Picture: LFB)