A house fire in #Lewisham is believed to have been caused by a candle.

As days and nights get colder over the winter, please be careful using candles & consider battery-powered, flameless LED ones instead, which are safe even if you fall asleep.Firefighters have issued a candle safety warning after a house fire on Forbury Road in Lewisham.

Part of the lower ground floor was damaged by the fire. One man left the building before the arrival of the Brigade and was treated on scene by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to have been accidental and caused by a candle.

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson 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.”

The Brigade was called at 1626 on Sunday and the fire was under control by 1734. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lewisham, Lee Green, Greenwich and Deptford fire stations attended the scene.

Top candle safety tips
• Keep candles away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire.
• Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles when they are lit.
• Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder.
• Make sure the candleholder holds the candle firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.