Safety warning after sparkler starts fire in London restaurant
300 people had to be evacuated when it broke out in Mayfair
The London Fire Brigade's issued an urgent safety warning after an indoor sparkler started a fire at a Mayfair restaurant.
Christmas decorations inside the building ended up in flames when it happened on Friday night.
Crews were called to the restaurant on Dover Street at 9.40 and the incident was over for firefighters by 10.18pm. 300 people were taken to safety.
The service has released this shocking video of worried customers having to evacuate the venue.
Five fire engines and around 35 firefighters from Soho, Lambeth, Kensington and Chelsea fire stations attended the scene.
A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said:
“There are many fire hazards over Christmas and we want Londoners to be safe and take steps to prevent fires from occurring and spoiling the festive season. Please keep candles or in this case indoor fireworks away from Christmas trees and decorations. Even a well-watered tree can easily burn so make sure your lights are tested, and naked flames kept well away.”
“Other fire hazards over Christmas include fairy lights, overloaded plug sockets, cooking left unattended – or carried out after a festive tipple. Fire is devastating at any time of year but this is heightened more at Christmas time. Please heed our warnings, check your smoke alarms and have a merry Christmas.”