A man was rescued by firefighters after a blaze broke out at a block of flats in St John’s Grove, Kentish Town last night.
Part of a flat on the first floor of the building was damaged by fire.
The male occupant of the flat where the fire started left the property before the arrival of the Brigade and crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued an elderly man from a neighbouring flat.
Both men were treated for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service before being taken to hospital. A further 15 people left the block of flats before the arrival of the Brigade.
Watch manager Ben King, who was at the scene, said: “When we arrived there was smoke travelling through the building and there was a possible risk the fire could have spread to the floor above.
“Crews wearing breathing apparatus worked exceptionally hard in difficult conditions to contain the fire to the flat of origin and prevent it spreading to adjacent properties.”
The fire is believed to have been caused by a candle left unattended.
Watch manager King added: “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.”
Six fire engines and 35 firefighters and officers attended the scene. The Brigade was called at 2116 and the fire was under control at 2233. Fire crews from Islington, Euston, Kentish Town, Hornsey and Soho fire stations attended the scene.
For more information about fire safety if you live in a purpose built block of flats, visit our Know The Plan webpage.