Man rescued from blaze that ‘destroyed’ first floor of house

A man was rescued from a fire that “destroyed” the first floor of a house yesterday evening.

Four fire engines and about 25 firefighters tackled the blaze in a house in Alderton Road, Croydon at 8pm. 

A man was rescued from the property by firefighters working from the roof of a neighbouring property with a nine-metre ladder.

The London Fire Brigade (LFB) have confirmed there were no reports of any injuries.

A spokesman from the LFB said: “The first floor of the two-storey mid-terraced house was destroyed and half of a loft conversion was also damaged by the fire.”

The brigade’s 999 control officers received five calls about the incident.

The brigade was called at around 8pm and the fire was brought under control by around 9pm.

Crews from Croydon, Woodside and Beckenham fire stations attended the scene.

The fire is being treated as accidental and is believed to have been caused by a tea candle left unattended.

A LFB spokesperson said: “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.”

Pictured top: Firefighters attending the scene in Alderton Road, Croydon (Picture: LFB)