A family had to flee its south London home Friday after a member of the family accidentally set it on fire.
The blaze at 447 Exeter Rd. started about 1 p.m. when a house resident tried to remove an oil tank in the basement.
Sparks from a cutting grinder ignited residue left in the tank. The fire quickly spread up through the walls.
While firefighters extinguished the flames in about ten minutes, smoldering pockets in the walls and attic continued to send smoke into the air for more than a half hour.
All the residents were able to escape safely.
Damage is estimated at $150,000.
