Four fire engines and 21 firefighters tackled a blaze at a house on Delme Crescent in Kidbrooke, yesterday evening.
The fire caused severe damage to the kitchen of the property and the rest of the house was badly damaged by heat and smoke.
Fortunately, the occupants of the property were not home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to have been caused by a t-light candle left burning unattended.
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 curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.
"It’s extremely fortunate the family that live at the house were out at the time of the fire as although the property had two smoke alarms fitted, neither sounded because one had no battery in it and the other had a flat battery. Everyone should have at least one smoke alarm on each level of their home and the safest option is to have those linked together. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire in your home. We also recommend testing your alarm regularly.”
Firefighters from Lee Green, Millwall and Greenwich fire stations attended the incident. The Brigade was called at 1906 and the fire was under control at 2009.