The pet tortoise that set its owner’s London flat on fire

14 Jul 2025 • 8:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A fire broke out in a south London flat after a tortoise knocked over its heat lamp, igniting its hay bedding.
  • London Fire Brigade crews were dispatched to the incident on London Road in Mitcham.
  • Firefighters successfully rescued the tortoise and a dog, which was found hiding under the stairs.
  • Both pets were safely returned to their owner, and the fire was brought under control within an hour.
  • The flat sustained only light damage, with pictures showing crew members posing with the rescued animals.

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