Urgent Update: London Fire Brigade has issued a critical warning after four fires erupted across the capital within just four days, all linked to the use of lighted candles. The alarming trend has left homes severely damaged and underscores the potential dangers as families celebrate the festive season.
Just before 7:30 PM on December 27, emergency crews responded to a blaze on Town Road in Edmonton. Approximately 25 firefighters battled flames that had spread from a bedroom to the first floor and roof. Fortunately, a woman was taken to the hospital, while another woman and a child managed to escape. This incident follows a series of similar fires that began on Christmas Day.
On December 25, firefighters were called to a house fire on Princes Park Lane in Hayes, where flames damaged part of the first floor. Three residents evacuated safely. Earlier that day, a candle ignited bedding in a flat fire on Elmwood Road in Croydon, prompting a quick response that saved three people from the fourth-floor blaze.
The situation escalated on Christmas Eve when six fire engines and around 40 firefighters responded to a fire in a maisonette in Peckham. Two adults were treated for smoke inhalation due to flames fueled by an unattended candle. The fire received a staggering 12 emergency calls from concerned citizens.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Richard Arnold emphasized the heightened risks during the holiday season: “Fires can cause devastation all year round, but this is heightened around Christmas with families potentially left homeless and possessions destroyed.” He urged Londoners to take precautions, stating, “Keep candles well away from any Christmas decorations. As Christmas trees dry out, they can burn quickly and cause flames to spread in seconds.”
Arnold recommended considering battery-powered, flameless LED candles as a safer alternative. “While they may cost more upfront than traditional candles, they will last considerably longer, giving you better value for money,” he noted.
Firefighters advise that if you choose to use traditional candles, place them in heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces, away from materials that could ignite. Never leave them unattended, especially around children and pets. Always extinguish candles before sleeping and conduct simple safety checks whether you are home or away.
For personalized safety advice, London Fire Brigade’s online Home Fire Safety Checker is available to help residents reduce fire risks in their homes.
As families continue to celebrate the festive season, the London Fire Brigade urges everyone to prioritize safety to avoid tragic outcomes. Stay vigilant and ensure your home is fire-safe to enjoy a happy and secure holiday.
