Tortoise Sparks Flat Fire in Mitcham After Knocking Over Heat Lamp
A mischievous tortoise has been blamed for starting a flat fire after accidentally knocking over a heat lamp in its enclosure.
The incident occurred shortly before midday on Thursday, 10 July, in a fourth-floor maisonette on London Road, Mitcham. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that the heat lamp fell onto hay inside the tortoise’s aquarium, igniting a blaze that prompted a multi-engine response.
Crews from Mitcham, Wimbledon, Tooting, and Wallington fire stations were dispatched to the scene at 11:40am and had the fire under control by 12:22pm.
Reptile and Canine Both Rescued
Firefighters were alerted to the presence of two pets in the flat and successfully rescued both the tortoise and a dog, which had taken shelter under a stairwell.
A spokesperson for LFB described the tortoise as “naughty,” adding that both animals were unharmed and returned safely to their grateful owner.
“A mischievous tortoise and his canine friend were rescued last week from a fire in Mitcham,” the LFB said in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).
“The fire was caused by the naughty tortoise knocking over his heat lamp, which fell onto the hay — a combustible material — in his aquarium.”
LFB Issues Safety Advice for Pet Owners
The fire brigade used the incident to highlight fire safety risks associated with heat lamps and combustible bedding such as hay or sawdust, which are common in small pet enclosures.
“It is really important that heat lamps are secured properly to prevent them from being accidentally knocked over,” an LFB spokesperson said.
“When not in use, make sure they are switched off to avoid overheating.”
The incident prompted a warning to all pet owners to double-check enclosures for fire hazards and ensure all heating elements are safely mounted and regulated.
