A family managed to escape from a fire unscathed which caused serious damage to their home.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at the flat in West Norwood, south London, just after 8.30pm last night.
The fire was caused by a candle left unattended on top of a computer table. Flames spread across the room and set fire to clothes hanging on the back of the door.
Initially, the family tried to tackle it themselves using water and a dry powder extinguisher, but they called the brigade when they could not control the fire.
The family fled the flat moments before two fire engines and 14 firefighters arrived to tackle the blaze.
Mark Hazelton, community safety group manager for the LFB, said: “This could be the luckiest family in London, with such a lucky escape it might be worthwhile them buying a lottery ticket tonight.
“You should make sure candles are kept well away from anything that could catch fire like clothing, otherwise the results can be catastrophic. It’s also very important to put candles out when you leave the room.
“If you have a fire in your home do not try to tackle it yourself. Leave it to the professionals and remember get out, stay out and dial 999.”
