A dramatic fire ripped through a first-floor flat on Hunting Place, Hounslow on the evening of October 22, 2025. London Fire Brigade rushed to the scene, rescuing 16 people with fire escape hoods and treating eight for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters Rescue 16 in Smoke-Filled Flat
The blaze damaged most of the flat’s first floor. Fire crews equipped with specially designed fire escape hoods led residents to safety. These hoods, introduced in 2018 after the Grenfell Tower tragedy, filter toxic smoke and protect wearers for up to 15 minutes against deadly gases like carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
London Ambulance Service assessed eight people on-site. The fire was under control by 8.34pm after calls came in at 7.14pm, with fire units dispatched from Heston, Feltham, Southall, and Hammersmith stations.
Candle Sparks Suspected Cause of Flat Fire
The fire is believed to have started accidentally from a candle. A London Fire Brigade spokesperson urged the public to take candle safety seriously. “Candles are one of the most common causes of home fires,” they said. “Never leave them unattended and keep away from curtains, furniture or clothes.”
They advised switching to LED flameless candles for safer alternatives. For those who still use real candles, following simple safety tips is key to avoiding disasters. The Brigade also promoted their Home Fire Safety Checker for tailored fire risk advice.
Top Candle Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Safe
- Always extinguish candles, incense, and oil burners before leaving a room or going to bed.
- Use heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces to prevent tipping and accidents.
- Keep candles well away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, clothing, and hair.
- Beware that tea lights get extremely hot and can melt plastic surfaces if not in proper holders.
- Keep candles and open flames out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidents.
This incident is a stark reminder that candles can be deadly if not used with care. Stay vigilant and stay safe!
