A man has been taken to hospital after a maisonette fire in Peckham.

Firefighters were called to the scene on Carlton Grove (February 25) shortly before 2am.

The Brigade tackled the fire in the maisonette where half of the first floor was damaged by the blaze.

Two men escaped the property before the Brigade arrived.

One man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and was later taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

The fire is believed to be accidental and caused by an unattended candle.

The blaze was under control shortly before 3.20am.

Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from New Cross, Peckham, and Old Kent Road fire stations attended the scene.

Sub Officer Phil Davies, who was at the scene, said: "When firefighters arrived most of the front of the first floor of the property was alight.

"Crews worked hard to prevent the fire spreading to any of the neighbouring properties.

"The occupants were alerted to the blaze by smoke alarms and the early warning allowed them to get out safely and call 999.

"This incident is another reminder about the importance of having smoke alarms fitted in your home.

“You should have working smoke alarms in every room where a fire can start, plus a heat alarm in the kitchen and the bathroom.

“They should be tested regularly.

"It's also important to follow our safety advice about candles. Candles, incense sticks and oil burners are one of the most common causes of fire.

“We’d recommend swapping traditional candles for safer flameless LED alternatives, but if you do use real candles, it’s so important to never leave them unattended.

“Always make sure that they’re held firmly in heat-resistant holders and placed on a stable surface where they won’t be knocked over.”

Firefighters' candle safety top tips:

• Make sure you put out any candles, incense and oil burners when you leave the room and especially before bed.

• Keep them away from materials that might catch fire - that's things like curtains, furniture, clothes and hair.

• Be aware that tea lights get very hot and without proper holders can melt through plastic surfaces like a TV or bath.

• LED candles can be a great alternative - they're safe even if you fall asleep or forget to blow them out.

A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters have issued a candle safety warning following a maisonette fire on Carlton Grove in Peckham.

“Half of the first floor of a maisonette was damaged by the fire. Two men left the property before the Brigade arrived.

“One man was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews.

“The Brigade's Fire Investigation team believe the fire was accidental and caused by an unattended candle.

“The Brigade was called at 1.58am and the fire was under control by 3.19am.

“Four fire engines and around 25 firefighters from New Cross, Peckham and Old Kent Road fire stations were at the scene.”

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