London Fire Brigade warn against candles after school child suffers burns

Teachers and parents are being warned by the London Fire Brigade not to use real candles following an accident during a school’s carol service which resulted in a child suffering serious burns.

A young boy from St Thomas Becket Catholic Primary School was seriously injured yesterday after his costume caught alight when it came into contact with a candle. He remains in hospital.

London Fire Brigade’s Fire Investigation team and fire safety officers attended Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Croydon  following a call from the Metropolitan Police Service.

The London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Dan Daly, said: “This horrific accident is a stark reminder of the risk real candles can pose. They are  a completely unnecessary hazard when it comes to children and school plays.

“Sadly this isn’t the first time we have seen clothing and costumes set alight by candles and  people need to recognise the risk and prevent these incidents from happening again.

“People should not  be using real candles – especially around children, costumes and decorations – when there are far safer alternatives available.

“LED, battery-operated or electric candles take away the dangers associated with a naked flame. They can be left unattended and it doesn’t matter if they are dropped or knocked over.”

At this time of year, there are even more hazards around as people wear festive clothing and decorate their homes.

If you do have candles in your home, you must ensure they are never left unattended and that they are in a suitable fire resistant candleholder and placed on a heat resistant surface.

Candles and other naked flames should always be kept out of the reach of children and pets and should be away from materials which can catch fire such as curtains, furniture or clothes and at this time of year, decorations.