Hayes is among several London areas highlighted after a series of fires linked to candles over the festive period, prompting a renewed safety warning from London Fire Brigade.
Firefighters say candles are believed to have caused four fires in just four days across the capital, leaving parts of homes badly damaged. The warning comes as candle use increases around Christmas and into the New Year.
The most recent incident happened just before 7.30pm on Friday, 27 December, when around 25 firefighters were called to a house on Town Road in Edmonton. The fire spread from a bedroom to the rest of the first floor and into the roof. One woman was taken to hospital, while another woman and a child were able to escape.
Two days earlier, on Christmas Day, a fire broke out at a house on Princes Park Lane in Hayes, damaging part of the first floor. Three people managed to leave the property safely and were unharmed.
In the early hours of Christmas Day, firefighters were also called to a flat on Elmwood Road in Croydon after a candle ignited bedding. Three people escaped unhurt from the fourth-floor flat. On Christmas Eve, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters attended a fire at a maisonette in Peckham, where two adults were treated for smoke inhalation. That fire, which prompted 12 emergency calls, was also caused by a candle left unattended.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner at London Fire Brigade, Richard Arnold, said: “Fires can cause devastation all year round, but this is heightened around Christmas with families potentially left homeless and possessions destroyed. We want to ensure Londoners take every precaution to prevent fires from spoiling the festive period.
“Keep candles well away from any Christmas decorations. Decorations can easily fuel a fire and as Christmas trees dry out, they can burn quickly and cause flames to spread in seconds.
“Consider using battery-powered, flameless LED candles instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep. Whilst they may cost more upfront than traditional candles, they will last considerably longer, giving you better value for money.
“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.
“Whether you’re spending the festive periods at home, or away with friends or family, take some time to carry out a few simple checks to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
“The Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker can guide you around your home and provide you with specific advice to reduce fire risks.”
The Brigade has also raised concerns about heating-related fires as London experiences one of its coldest spells of the winter so far. Firefighters say people may turn to alternative ways to heat their homes, such as portable heaters, which can increase the risk of fire if not used correctly.
Following a house fire on Haselbury Road in Edmonton on Christmas Day, believed to have been caused by textiles left too close to a fan heater, further advice has been issued.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Arnold added: “The rise in energy costs means there’s a very real risk of heating-related fires. We know that people will turn to alternative ways to keep their families warm overnight without turning on the heating, we just want to make sure that people are staying safe at the same time.
“It’s absolutely vital that heaters are kept well away from curtains, furniture, paperwork and are never used to dry clothes. Always sit at least a metre away from the heater as it could set fire to your clothes or your chair, supervise children carefully and position a heater where it won’t be knocked over and away from pets.
“It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these items are safety registered and in good working order. If you’re using these items around children always supervise them carefully and place heaters somewhere where they won’t be accidentally knocked over and away from anything that could catch fire.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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