Candle safety warning issued following fire at #Clapham church hall, one man treated for smoke inhalation https://t.co/rPwlC2UwMT pic.twitter.com/lWJGq4j9BQ
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) November 25, 2017
Figure 1; tweet from LFB of St Mary’s Church.
Firefighters had rushed to South London, after a man was trapped in a blaze at St Mary’s Church Hall, early Tuesday morning.
The victim managed to escape the property, before the London Fire Brigade had arrived.
He was treated by the London Ambulance Services at the scene on St Alphonsus Road; Clapham, as he suffered from smoke inhalation.
This was after flames damaged a small part of a room on the first floor, in the two and three-floored building.
Fire Brigade investigators believe an unattended candle may have caused the blaze.
They are now issuing a warning against not putting candles out and that they should “be kept well away from curtains and things that can easily catch fire.”
Every year, roughly 15,000 house fires are candle related incidents. a LFB spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire”.
He continued: “It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and put them out before going to sleep.”
They’ve suggested several tips to prevent fire hazards, such as: “ensure our tea lights are in “a suitable fire-resistant candleholder. Make sure the candle is on a flat and stable surface to prevent tipping. Keeping loose clothing away from them when they are lit and keeping it out the reach of children and pets.”
More than 20 firefighters and 4 engineers arrived at the scene in south London.
The church replaced a previous Normal structure, being built in the 12th century. It was restored by Sir Gilbert Scott; architect of St Pancras station.
Fire stations in Clapham, Battersea and Brixton were called to the scene at 5:23am, and the flame was controlled shortly after 6:30am.
