Three people escaped unharmed after a fire tore through the loft conversion of a terraced house on Chudleigh Road in Brockley on Monday evening.
The London Fire Brigade was called to the scene shortly after 7pm on 26 May, deploying four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from Lewisham, Forest Hill, Lee Green, and New Cross fire stations.
Crews found the loft conversion of the home heavily damaged by flames. Fortunately, the three occupants evacuated the property before firefighters arrived, and no injuries have been reported.
Cause Confirmed: Unattended Oil Lamp
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed that the blaze is believed to have been accidental, caused by an oil lamp left unattended.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Brigade has renewed its candle and oil burner safety advice to prevent similar incidents.
“Never leave candles, incense sticks, or oil burners unattended — this includes Diya lamps often used for worship or festivals,” the spokesperson said.
“Extinguish all naked flames before leaving the room or going to bed. Always use heat-resistant holders on stable surfaces and keep them away from flammable items like curtains, papers, or furniture.”
Candle and Oil Burner Safety Tips
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Never leave them unattended
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Always extinguish before sleep or leaving a room
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Use proper holders and heat-resistant bases
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Keep away from curtains, clothing, papers, or soft furnishings
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Keep out of reach of children and pets
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Tea lights can melt through plastic surfaces – use with care
Fire Response
The fire was brought under control quickly thanks to the swift work of local crews. An official fire investigation concluded the cause as an accidental fire involving an oil lamp, reinforcing the importance of fire safety in the home.
