The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has issued a safety alert regarding candle usage ahead of the Christmas season, following an incident in south London where a candle is believed to have ignited a flat fire.

On Monday evening, six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters responded to a fire at a maisonette located on Stockwell Lane in Stockwell.

The blaze erupted in a four-room flat on the second and third floors of a four-storey structure, resulting in partial damage to the property.

Two individuals were able to evacuate the flat prior to the arrival of the emergency teams and were treated for smoke inhalation by the London Ambulance Service on-site.

The brigade received the call at 19:36 GMT, with units from Clapham, Battersea, Brixton, and other nearby stations responding. The fire was successfully brought under control by 20:27.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental and originated from an unattended candle placed near flammable materials.

In light of this incident, the LFB has shared the following recommendations:

The London Fire Brigade emphasized that most candle-related fires can be avoided and encouraged people to exercise heightened caution during the holiday season.