A freak house fire in east London was caused by spontaneously igniting tea towels that had not been washed properly, fire chiefs believe.
The bizarre blaze, which left an airing cupboard completely charred and damaged a boiler, started after laundry being stored there burst into flames, according to London Fire Brigade’s investigations head.
Thankfully no one was in the first-floor flat in Bamboo Court, Clapton, when the fire broke out early on Tuesday morning.
Neighbours in the new-build estate told the Standard how smoke had been seen pouring into a bathroom one floor above the blaze through a vent system, prompting the emergency services call.
The brigade’s Charlie Pugsley said: “Cotton laundry like aprons, tea towels and cloths can often be contaminated with organic cooking oils that can self-ignite if dried and stored.
“Make sure you do your wash at the right temperature with the appropriate detergent to remove any oil-based contaminants. Also make sure you wait for your laundry to cool down before packing it away and store it in a well-ventilated place.”
Two fire crews were despatched to get the 5.30am fire under control – which they did in just under an hour.
It follows warnings from the brigade about the dangers of leaving glass objects and mirrors in direct sunlight. Earlier this year one family told how they had lost everything after sunlight focused through an empty Nutella jar set fire to their daughter’s bedroom and destroyed their home.
