One resident was taken to hospital by ambulance

Six fire engines and around 35 firefighters were called to a fire in a block of flats on Wanborough Drive in Roehampton this afternoon.

A flat on the second floor was badly damaged by the blaze and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued two people from the building. One, a woman rescued from the flat where the fire started, was taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service suffering from smoke inhalation, while another woman rescued from a neighbouring flat was treated at the scene. A cat was also rescued from the building and it was taken away for treatment by the RSPCA.

The building’s hallways, corridors and stairways were all heavily smoke logged.

Around 30 people left the building before the Brigade arrived but Station Manager Julian Spooner, who was at the scene, said in the event of a fire people living in purpose built blocks were usually safer staying in their flats until firefighters got there, unless they were being directly affected by heat and smoke.


Rescued cat @LondonFire

He said: “Living in a flat is not more dangerous than living in a house, but it’s important to know that your fire plan should be different. Flats and maisonettes are built to give you some protection from fire – a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 60. Walls, floors and doors will hold back flames and smoke for a time. If there is a fire elsewhere in the block but not inside your flat you're usually safer staying in your flat unless heat or smoke is affecting you. If you leave your flat you could be rushing into choking smoke, the fire itself or firefighters using equipment to bring the fire under control in another part of the building.”

Firefighters from New Malden, Wandsworth, Wimbledon and Fulham fire stations were at the scene. The Brigade was called at 12.27 and the fire was under control by 14.34.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

London Fire Brigade has launched a campaign called ‘Know the Plan’ designed to improve awareness of fire safety for the residents of high rise buildings and purpose built flats. To find out more visit www.knowtheplan.co.uk

October 24, 2014