An oil lamp left unattended in a religious shrine sparked a flat fire in Harrow while the occupants were at work, according to London Fire Brigade.
Ten firefighters took around 45 minutes to control the blaze, which broke out at the property in Pinner Road at around 10.40am on Thursday (April 9).
The fire started in the living room where it burned various items before causing smoke damage throughout the flat.
A tenant living in the flat above raised the alarm as the occupants were out and had no working smoke alarm.
London Fire Brigade’s borough commander for Harrow Richard Claydon, said: “It appears that the fire started within a plastic cabinet containing the family’s plastic shrine, which included a ‘PUJA’ oil lamp – a cotton bud containing a wick sitting in oil.
“The most likely cause of the fire is that the oil lamp ignited either the oil or papers kept within the shrine.”
Candles, incense and oil burners are some of the most common causes of house fires in London, leading to more than 20 call-outs a month.
Mr Claydon said: “It is important to remember if you are using candles, incense, oil burners, or any other naked flame, to make sure they are not left unattended and are properly extinguished when you’re not using them.
“You should also keep them away from flammable materials like books, papers and curtains.”
He added: “It is crucial that you have a working smoke alarm fitted on every level of your home as they give you early waning in the event of a fire and can buy you and your neighbours vital seconds to escape.”
Top fire safety tips for using candles, incense and oil burners
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