Candle lights blaze in Royal Oak block of flats

A candle is believed to be behind a blaze which ripped through the fifth floor of a block of flats on Wednesday night.

Three people managed to escape the fire in Westbourne Park Road, Royal Oak, which damaged most of the four-roomed flat.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB)  took the first of 15 calls to the incident at around 8.15pm, and mobilised six fire engines and around 40 firefighters to the scene. 

Firefighters used a 32-metre turntable ladder as an observation tower to help fight the fire from above. 

Crews from Paddington, Kensington, West Hampstead and surrounding fire stations brought the blaze under control by around 10pm.

There were no reports of any injuries, the LFB said.

Firefighters believe the blaze was caused by the “unsafe use of a candle”. 

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.

“Consider using battery-powered, flameless LED candles instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep. 

“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.”

Pictured top: Firefighters used a 32-metre turntable ladder as an observation tower to help fight the blaze from above (Picture: LFB)