Firefighters are urging people not to leave candles and oil burners unattended after a Hanukkah menorah caused a house fire in Moundfield Road in Stamford Hill.
The fire was discovered after a neighbour heard a smoke alarm sounding while the occupants of the property were out. The neighbour called the Brigade and alerted a group who were congregating at a local Synagogue nearby.
A small part of the lounge and hallway of the property were damaged by fire.
The Brigade’s fire investigators believe the fire was accidental and due to oil burners used to celebrate Hanukkah left unattended.
Watch manager Graham Beers, who was at the scene, said: “Candles, incense and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire within homes 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 is also vitally important to have smoke alarms in your property. Everyone should have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home. This will give the earliest warning if there is a fire.
“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen.”
Top candle safety tips
Keep candles/tea lights away from curtains, furniture and anything else that can catch fire.
Keep loose clothing and hair away from candles/tea lights when they are lit.
Always place your candles/tea lights in a suitable fire resistant candleholder
Make sure the candleholder holds the candle/tea light firmly and is on a flat and stable surface to stop it falling over.
Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed Keep out of reach of children and pets
The Brigade was called at 2236 and the fire was under control at 2302. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters and officers from Stoke Newington and Tottenham fire stations attended the scene.