A FIRE which ripped through a first-floor flat is believed to have been caused by a candle.

Two fire engines and ten firefighters were called to the fire in a two storey house on Gwynne Park Avenue, in Woodford Green, on Sunday evening at 6.30pm.

Three people had left the building before firefighters from Woodford and Ilford fire stations arrived.

It took 45 minutes for firefighters to get the fire under control and about ten per cent of the first floor was damaged by fire.

The Brigade believes the fire started in the first floor bedroom and was caused by some candles being left burning on a window sill near to the window’s curtains, which caught fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Brigade has issued advice on how to use candles safely, particularly over Christmas and at other festivals when they are more likely to be used.

Advice includes, always place your candles or tea lights in a fire resistant candleholder on a flat and stable surface and make sure they are properly extinbguished.

For advice on candle safety visit the Brigade’s website http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/UsingCandles.asp