A fire service has issued a warning about the dangers of leaving candles unattended after a house fire.

London Fire Brigade says it was called to a blaze at a house in Basing Hill, Golders Green, at 6.51pm on January 26.

Part of a loft conversion and the fascia of the detached house were damaged by the fire, the fire service said.

There were no reports of any injuries.

The fire was under control by 8.55pm.

The Brigade's investigators believe the fire was caused by an unattended candle.

An LFB spokesperson said: “Candles are one of the most common causes of fire.

“It’s really important that you never leave a candle unattended and keep them away from curtains and anything else that can easily catch fire.

“You should also ensure they are in a heat-resistant holder and placed on a stable surface so they won’t be knocked over.

"You could also consider swapping traditional candles for safer, LED flameless ones.”

The following advice has been issued by the Brigade:

  • Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.
  • These items should always be held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over.
  • Keep them away from materials that might catch fire – that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair. 
  • Be especially careful if you have a lot of flammable items in your home, like collections of books, magazines or papers. 
  • Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.
  • To avoid accidents keep candles and other naked flames out of reach of children and pets.