London firefighters pushed back by flames during a house fire

Intense flames forced fire crews to back out of a house fire in southeast London Sunday evening.

The fire broke out on Stanhope Crescent around 9:30 p.m.

“Crews got on scene and had fire and flames showing from the front door of the home,” said London Fire Department Platoon Chief Manager, Brent Shea.

“We attempted to make entry. Conditions were such that they [firefighters] couldn’t continue into the home any further. They backed out and attacked the fire from the rear of the building.”

All occupants of the split-level home escaped, with one declining treatment for smoke inhalation.

A total of 25 firefighters were on the scene past midnight.

Damage was originally estimated at $500,000 but according to Shea, that number has been reassessed at $200,000.

He said candles may have been in use before the blaze. However, he said there was “no conclusive evidence that that was the cause of the fire.”

Nevertheless, London fire is reminding residents to be careful around candles or any open flame.

“It is amazing the number of combustible items that are around our home that we don’t realize that could be a problem. So, an open flame could start a small fire and create a big problem for you quickly,” warned Shea.