Flat fire - Islington

Firefighters are reminding Londoners not to leave candles unattended after a fire at a flat on Melville Place in Islington.

Part of a three roomed flat on the ground floor of a four-storey block was damaged by fire. Ten people left the building before the Brigade arrived. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus led one woman to safety from the ground floor of a neighbouring flat.

The fire is believed to have been caused by candles that were left unattended.

Top tips for candle safety:

• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed
• These items should always be held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over
• Keep them away from materials that might catch fire – that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair
• Be especially careful if you have a lot of flammable items in your home, like collections of books, magazines or papers
• Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath
• To avoid accidents keep candles and other naked flames out of reach of children and pets.

The Brigade was called at 0334 and the fire was under control by 0419. Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Islington, Shoreditch, Homerton and Euston fire stations attended the scene.